Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Dwarfism


Overview

Dwarfism is generally defined as an adult height of four feet 10 inches or less. The average adult height in dwarfism is four feet.

Symptoms

Common complications include bowing of the legs, hunching of the back, and crowded teeth.

Treatments

Treatments are aimed at reducing complications. Surgery may help stabilize and correct the shape of the spine. Hormone therapy may increase final height in some cases.