Be mindful of the words or label a person with dwarfism uses to describe themselves. Also be sensitive to the challenges or prejudice they may face in everyday life. Though there are many different causes of dwarfism, there are two main types of the condition: proportionate and disproportionate.
When the head, trunk, and limbs are all proportionate to each other, but much smaller than those of an average-sized person, the condition is known as proportionate dwarfism. This type of dwarfism is often the result of a hormone deficiency. It can often be treated with hormone injections while a child is still growing. As a result, someone born with proportionate dwarfism may be able to reach an average height or get close to it. This is the most common kind of dwarfism.
For example, a genetic condition called achondroplasia results in arms and legs that are significantly shorter than those of a person of average size, but the trunk is like that of someone unaffected by dwarfism. In some cases, the head of a person with disproportionate dwarfism may be slightly larger than that of a person without dwarfism. Researchers believe there are more than conditions that cause dwarfism. Most causes are genetic. The most common causes include:. Though achondroplasia is a genetic condition, four out of five people who have it also have two parents who are average sized.
If you have achondroplasia, you have one mutated gene associated with the condition and one unaffected version of that gene. This is the most common cause of dwarfism. This condition affects only females. Instead of inheriting two fully functioning X chromosomes from your parents, you inherit one X chromosome and are missing a second, or at least part of a second, X chromosome. Males, by comparison, have an X chromosome and a Y chromosome. In many cases, the reasons for growth hormone deficiency are never diagnosed.
An underactive thyroid , especially if it develops at a young age, can lead to many health problems, including limited growth. Other complications include low energy, cognitive problems, and puffy facial features. The pregnancy may go to full term, but the baby is usually much smaller than average. The result is typically proportional dwarfism.
Dwarfism is usually the result of a genetic mutation. But having a gene or genes responsible for dwarfism can occur in a couple of ways. In some cases, it can happen spontaneously. You may not be born with mutated genes inherited from a parent.
Instead, a mutation of your genes happens on its own — usually without a cause doctors can discover. Inherited genetic disorders can take two forms. One is recessive, which means you inherit two mutated genes one from each parent to have the condition.
The other is dominant. Complications of dwarfism-related disorders can vary greatly, but some complications are common to a number of conditions. The characteristic features of the skull, spine and limbs shared by most forms of disproportionate dwarfism result in some common problems:. With proportionate dwarfism, problems in growth and development often result in complications with poorly developed organs.
For example, heart problems that often occur with Turner syndrome can have a significant effect on health. An absence of sexual maturation associated with growth hormone deficiency or Turner syndrome affects both physical development and social functioning. Women with disproportionate dwarfism may develop respiratory problems during pregnancy. A C-section cesarean delivery is almost always necessary because the size and shape of the pelvis doesn't allow for successful vaginal delivery.
Most people with dwarfism prefer not to be labeled by a condition. However, some people may refer to themselves as dwarfs, little people or people of short stature. The word "midget" is generally considered an offensive term. People of average height may have misconceptions about people with dwarfism. And the portrayal of people with dwarfism in modern movies often includes stereotypes. Misconceptions can impact a person's self-esteem and limit opportunities for success in school or employment.
Children with dwarfism are particularly vulnerable to teasing and ridicule from classmates. Because dwarfism is relatively uncommon, children may feel isolated from their peers. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.
This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Dwarfism is short stature that results from a genetic or medical condition. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Bang GM, et al. Frequently asked questions. Little People of America. Accessed May 14, National Library of Medicine. Genetics Home Reference. Accessed Aug. Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. Medical centers that do not specialize in skeletal dysplasias rarely see these conditions.
Our orthopedic staff is highly skilled and very experienced in treating these conditions. We manage all aspects of care, including corrective orthopedic bone surgery, medicines to strengthen bones and supportive and medical care to treat other issues.
In children with skeletal dysplasias, sometimes the arms and legs grow crooked. This can cause hip or knee pain and make walking and running difficult. In some cases, surgery to realign the joints may be helpful.
Sometimes arms and legs are so short that it is difficult for a child to manage daily activities like cleaning themselves. Over time, doctors adjust the device to gradually pull the pieces of bone away from each other. New bone forms in between, making the healed bone longer. In children with dwarfism, common problems include a sideways curve in the spine scoliosis and a forward curve in the middle of the spine kyphosis that is larger than normal.
Some children need growing rods. Spinal stenosis is another condition that often affects people with dwarfism. The canal that the spinal cord runs through is narrower than usual, which can put pressure on the spinal cord. It may also cause breathing trouble. We often work closely with experts from Audiology and Dentistry , for example, because skeletal dysplasia can affect the skull, ears, jaw and teeth as well as the limbs and spine.
We understand the social and physical challenges your child and family may face. We encourage families to connect with organizations like Little People of America, Inc. Contact Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at for an appointment, a second opinion or more information.
Providers, see how to refer a patient. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho. For more information, see Website Privacy. Skip to navigation menu Skip to content. High Priority Alert. Close alert. Informational Alert. Home Conditions. Conditions Dwarfism and Skeletal Dysplasias.
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