Dwarfism

Dwarfism is a term applied broadly to a number of conditions resulting in unusually short stature. There are many conditions and diseases that can cause short stature. The dwarf may also be deformed, and may suffer from mental retardation, depending on the cause of the condition. There are an estimated 30000 people in the United States and 651000 internationally with a type of dwarfism. Eighty percent of people with dwarfism have average-height parents and siblings. There are over 200 distinct forms of dwarfism and skeletal dysplasias. Since growth problems are so varied, there is a wide variety of treatments for dwarf people, including nutritional changes, medications to treat underlying conditions, and appropriate hormone replacement therapy. There is no specific treatment for achondroplasia, besides treating any orthopedic problems that may arise.