In general, dwarfism caused by a skeletal dysplasia results in disproportionate short stature. This means that the limbs arms and legs and the trunk are not of the same proportion as average-height individuals.
By far the most common skeletal dysplasia is achondroplasia. This short-limb dwarfism happens in about 1 of every 25, babies born of all races and ethnic groups. People with achondroplasia have a relatively long trunk and shortened arms and legs. This is most noticeable in the upper parts of their arms and legs called rhizomelic shortening.
Diastrophic dysplasia is another short-limb dwarfism. It happens in about 1 in , births. People who have this type tend to have shortened forearms and calves called mesomelic shortening. They might also have:.
Most people with diastrophic dysplasia have joint changes that limit movement. People with diastrophic dysplasia often benefit from mobility aids, such as crutches, a scooter, or a wheelchair to get around. Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias SED are short-trunk skeletal dysplasias that involve the spine and the end of the bones that make up the joints epiphyses. Along with achondroplasia and diastrophic dysplasia, they're one of the more common types of dwarfism.
In one type of SED, the short trunk may not be noticed until the child is school age. Other types are seen at birth. Most pregnant women have a prenatal ultrasound to measure the baby's growth at around 20 weeks. At that stage, features of achondroplasia aren't yet noticeable.
Doctors sometimes suspect achondroplasia before birth if an ultrasound late in a pregnancy shows that a baby's arms and legs are shorter than average and the head is larger. But many children with achondroplasia aren't diagnosed until after birth. Doctors can recognize some other types of skeletal dysplasia earlier in pregnancy. Others aren't noticed until the first few months or years of life, when a child's growth slows.
A health care provider may take X-rays after birth to check for bone changes. Doctors also may use genetic testing before or after birth to confirm the diagnosis. Each condition that causes dwarfism has its own possible medical complications, which can change over time. But doctors can treat many of these. People with dwarfism are cared for by doctors who specialize in orthopedics, neurosurgery, ENT, and pulmonology.
Some medical concerns are treated with surgery. These are done with anesthesia, which can be more of a risk for little people because of their smaller body size and airways. People with dwarfism should try to keep a healthy weight. A few extra pounds can put harmful stress on the back and joints. It's important for them to find safe and enjoyable physical activities. People with dwarfism can lead healthy, active lives. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects their rights.
Support the independent voice of Phoenix and help keep the future of New Times free. Support Us. Keep New Times Free. Since we started Phoenix New Times , it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Phoenix, and we'd like to keep it that way. With local media under siege, it's more important than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism.
You can help by participating in our "I Support" program, allowing us to keep offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food and culture with no paywalls. Benjamin Leatherman is a staff writer at Phoenix New Times. He covers local nightlife, music, culture, geekery, and fringe pursuits. Contact: Benjamin Leatherman. Follow: Facebook: Benjamin Leatherman. Twitter: partycrasheraz. Don't Miss Out. Join Today. Sign Up. I Support Learn More. Latest Stories. Pearl of the West By Robrt L.
Pela Nov 10,
0コメント