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3. Achondroplasia

The most common cause of short stature, achondroplasia, accounts for around 70 percent of all cases. Physicians frequently discover this condition before a child’s birth using ultrasounds. As babies develop, their skeletal structures change as cartilage hardens into bone. Achondroplasia is a genetic condition that prevents the cartilage from properly becoming bone, potentially causing changes in development such as shorter limbs, skull distortion, and increased spinal curvature. Adults with achondroplasia may experience difficulty breathing as a result of their head placing pressure on their upper spinal cord.

growing dwarfism BraunS / Getty Images

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This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.