There are over 300 causes of dwarfism, with the most common being a spontaneous mutation of the FGFR3 gene. The two main types of skeletal dysplasia that cause dwarfism are short trunk with average limbs, and average trunk with shorter limbs and larger head. People with dwarfism can lead normal, healthy lives through treatments like surgery, nutrition plans, physical therapy and hormone injections depending on the type of dwarfism. The likelihood of having a child with dwarfism depends on factors like the parents' height and whether one or both parents carry a dwarfism gene.

1. Dwarfism By Lauren Campbell

2. What are the Causes of Dwarfism? There are over 300 causes for dwarfism. The most common cause is a spontaneous mutation of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3, FGFR3, on chromosome 4 in the egg or sperm before conception. The reason for the mutation is still unknown and it is not preventable in any way.

3. What are the Types of Dwarfism? The most common type of dwarfism is skeletal dysplasia. There are two types of skeletal dysplasia: Short trunk with average sized limbs Average sized trunk with shorter limbs, larger head with prominent forehead and shortened hands and fingers. This is known as achondroplasia. (70% of dwarfism cases) Diastrophic Dysplasia: clef palate, club feet, ears like cauliflower and shortened forearms and calves Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia: Club feet, cleft palate, barrel-chested appearance at birth but shorter trunk may not appear until 5 or 10 years old If it is caused by metabolic or hormonal disorders then arms and legs are all shorter but still proportionate .

4. What are the General Symptoms?

5. How is Living with Dwarfism? People with dwarfism have normal intelligence and can lead healthy, active lives. They go to school, get jobs, live on their own and have their own families. The earlier the condition in diagnosed and treatment begins the better.

6. What are Treatments? With Skeletal Dysplasia, there are many complications that are treatable but cannot be cured: Sometimes the spinal cord of a new born is slightly compressed but if it is caught early it can be surgically fixed. Over time, dwarves develop hip, leg and spine problems that surgery can help. Nutritionists can set up a meal plan to stay healthy and stimulate growth. Physical Therapists can give exercises to stay active without putting stress on bones and joints. If it is a hormonal or metabolic disorder, it can be treated with hormone injections or special diets to spark growth but may not work on all children

7. What is the Likelihood of Dwarfism? Achondroplasia 1 out of every 15,000 to 40,000 babies born of all races and ethnicities Responsible for 70% of diagnosis's Diastrophic Dysplasia 1 in every 100,000 people Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia 1 in every 95,000 people

8. Who are the Carriers of Dwarfism? Dwarves have one dwarfism gene and on “average” sized gene. Average sized humans do not carry gene but a new mutation can form in the egg or sperm cells. In fact, 4 out of 5 cases are from 2 average sized parents. Dwarves are the only carriers of the already affected gene

9. What is the Likelihood of Dwarfism? A couple of any race and ethnicity can have a child with dwarfism. If two dwarves have children, they each have an affected gene so their child is more likely to be a dwarf. Since the parents still have an “average” sized gene, their child can still be average height Two average size people can still have a dwarf because of a random gene mutation.

10. How is Dwarfism Inherited? The affected gene is dominant over the unaffected gene. If two average sized people have children Dwarfism is not inherited It would be caused by a new mutation in egg or sperm. It is very unlikely that the couple will have more than one child with dwarfism. If two little people have children: 25% chance the child will be average sized. 50% chance the child will be a dwarf. 25% chance the child will get both affected genes. This is called Double Dominant Syndrome and the child will die shortly after birth.

11. Bibliography Kids Health. (1995-2011). Dwarfism. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/growth/dwarfism.html . May 10, 2011 The March of Dimes. (2011). Achondroplasia . Retrieved from http://www.marchofdimes.com/Baby/birthdefects_achondroplasia.html . May 14, 2011 A.D.A.M Inc. (July 26, 2010). Growth Hormone Deficiency- Children. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002159l . May 15, 2011 Little People of America. ( ) . Frequently Asked Questions . Retrieved from http://www.lpaonline.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=84634&orgId=lpa#Medical . May 15, 2011 US National Library of Medicine. (March 23, 2011). Retrieved form http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dwarfism.html#cat1 . May 14, 2011.