Dwarfism

Dwarfism is short stature that results from a genetic or medical condition. Dwarfism is generally defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 centimeters) or less. The average adult height among people with dwarfism is 4 feet (122 cm). Treatments: Surgical treatments:Surgical procedures that may correct problems in people with disproportionate dwarfism include: Correcting the direction in which bones are growing Stabilizing and correcting the shape of the spine Limb lengthening: Some people with dwarfism choose to undergo surgery called extended limb lengthening.

The four most common causes of dwarfism in children are achondroplasia, Turner syndrome , inadequate pituitary function (pituitary dwarfism ), and lack of emotional or physical nurturance.

Since growth problems are so varied, there is a wide variety of treatments for them, including nutritional changes, medications to treat underlying conditions, and, where appropriate, hormone replacement therapy. There is no known way to prevent dwarfism because it results from genetic causes