Dwarfism

Dwarfism is a condition of short stature. It is defined by the advocacy group Little People of America (LPA) as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or under, as a result of a medical or genetic condition. Although other groups may extend the criteria for certain forms of dwarfism to 5 feet, the average height of an adult with dwarfism is 4 feet. There are two main categories of dwarfism -- disproportionate and proportionate.

In proportionate dwarfism, the body parts are in proportion but shortened. Symptoms: Physical symptoms can be seen. • a large head with a prominent forehead • a flattened bridge of the nose • protruding jaw • crowded and misaligned teeth • forward curvature of the lower spine • bowed legs • flat, short, broad feet • "double-jointedness" Diagnosis: It can be diagnosed through various tests, Imaging technology, Genetic tests, Family history and Hormone tests. Treatment: Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or lessen some of the problems associated with dwarfism.

Epidemiology: Achondroplasia is the most common skeletal dysplasia. It affects about 1 in every 40,000 children. 80% of all "little people" have achondroplasia.