Dwarfism According to the Website

Dwarfism According to the website Dwarfism.org, dwarfism refers to any "genetic condition resulting in short stature." Caused by the recessive genes inherited from both parents, or a spontaneous genetic mutation, dwarfism actually refers to several hundreds of different types of bone disorders. These bone disorders, or skeletal dysplasias, result in stunted or disproportionate growth of the skeleton. There are three main categories of skeletal dysplasias related to dwarfism: Achondroplasia, diastrophic dysplasia, and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. Of the three, achondroplasia is the most common form of dwarfism.

Although genetics plays a major role in dwarfism, as many as 85% of persons born with achondroplasia are born to parents of average height ("What Causes Dwarfism?"). The skeletal dysplasias result in what is known as disproportionate dwarfism. For example, in the case of achondroplasia and diastrophic dysplasia, the person's limbs are disproportionately small in relation to the trunk of the body.

People with achondroplasia have long trucks in proportion to their shortened upper arms and thighs, whereas people with diastrophic dysplasia have shorter forearms and calves and can tend to have bowed legs as a result. Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias are forms of dwarfism that result in shortened trunks, as opposed to shortened limbs. Not all forms of dwarfism are due to the skeletal dysplasias, though. Some forms are due directly to metabolic, hormonal, chromosomal, glandular, or nutritive problems ("What Causes Dwarfism?).

Because most forms of dwarfism are genetic, the condition can be discovered while the child is still in the womb. However, most of the time, dwarfism is not detected until the child begins to grow. Some of the early signs of dwarfism are not as recognizable as the short limbs or short torso. For instance, sleep apnea, or snoring problems, and swollen foreheads can be early indicators.

As the dwarfism begins to manifest in the child, secondary symptoms include delayed motor skill development, bowed limbs, and a curved spine ("What Are the Signs of Dwarfism?"). Several complications are associated with dwarfism in addition to the aforementioned symptoms. For example, dwarfism can result in significant loss of mobility due to the bone abnormalities and "in some instances, breathing difficulties, gradual paralysis and even death may result," (Little People's Research Fund).

Most of the problems associated with skeletal dysplasias cannot be reversed, but through forms of physical and occupational therapy, people with dwarfism can overcome some of the debilitating symptoms associated with the condition. For example, if the dwarfism is detected and treated early enough, the person will be able to enjoy near to full mobility throughout their adult life. Reconstructive surgery can also be useful to correct certain symptoms. Joint replacement surgery is necessary for some persons with dwarfism.

Some surgeries, such as lengthening the limbs using pins, is more cosmetic than a functional necessity. According to the Little People's Research Fund, "surgery on Little People involves bone grafts, fusions, steel screws, pins and plates, then months of physical therapy." Calling persons with dwarfism "midgets" is hurtful, derogatory, and politically incorrect. The most politically correct term for persons affected by dwarfism is "Little People." As many as one in ten thousand births results.