Short Stature

What is short stature?

Short stature is defined as one that is below the average height for a patient’s age and gender. This is generally calculated as 2 standard deviations below average.
A short statute may have no underlying cause other than a family history of lower-than-average heights amongst family members. In some cases, short stature may be the result of extremely poor nutrition, a metabolic or endocrine disorder, certain types of cancer, or a genetic syndrome.

Symptoms may affect multiple parts of the body. Understanding which part of the body a symptom affects can help us to better understand the potential underlying causes of a symptom, including a rare disease or genetic syndrome.

The skeletal system is made up of all of the bones and joints of the body. This includes 270 bones at birth, which reduces to 206 once an individual reaches adulthood as some bones fuse together during this period.

The skeletal system has many crucial functions including the protection of crucial body organs, body movement, storing minerals and fats, and forming blood cells.

Symptoms affecting the skeletal system may be seen with the naked eye. Diagnosing a skeletal-related symptom may involve different tests and assessments, both subjective and objective.

Symptoms relating to the skeleton may affect the ability of an individual to function and move normally.

What should I do next?

In some instances, short stature may be one of the features of a rare disease or genetic syndrome. To find out if someone with Short Stature, may be due to a genetic syndrome, it is important to have a consultation and evaluation with a clinical genetic specialist. Specialists may also suggest specific genetic testing or other types of tests to help reach a diagnosis. FDNA’s AI technology can help speed up the diagnostic process by analyzing facial features and other health information.

Evaluation

Don’t let your questions stay questions

Ease your concerns, gain a better understanding of your child’s development process, and connect with medical professionals in your area.

Check your child

Share this symptom

Synonyms:
Small stature, small size, smallness
Related syndromes:

Share this symptom

More signs and symptoms

Signs & Symptoms

Hyperkinetic Movements

Hyperkinetic movements are repetitive, abnormal and involuntary movements of the body. These motions are identified as common neural disturbances in children and can potentially lead to movement disorders. The distribution and severity of these repeated movements may shift over time.

Read more
Signs & Symptoms

Rieger Anomaly

Reiger anomaly is an ocular defect characterized by serious deformity in the anterior chamber of the eye with noticeable strands and shrinking of the iris stroma. This congenital malformation of the anterior segment is identified by iridocorneal malformation, glaucoma, iris stromal hypoplasia, posterior embryotoxon, and corneal opacities.

Read more
Signs & Symptoms

Restrictive Behavior

Restrictive behavior is a form of behavior characterized by an abnormal limitation to a few interests and activities. Children may engage in repetitive motor movements or speech and may continually employ the same routine.

Read more