Short Stature in Children

• Short Stature in Children Overview
• Short Stature in Children Causes
• Short Stature in Children Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Short Stature in Children Treatment
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Outlook
• Support Groups and Counseling
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Short Stature in Children Overview

The term short stature describes height that is significantly below the average height for a person's age, sex, racial group, or family. Growth failure is often confused with short stature. Growth failure that occurs over time eventually results in short stature. By definition, growth failure is a medical condition. However, short stature is often a normal variant.

Short stature may or may not be a sign or symptom caused by a medical condition. The assessment of growth over time—not just a single point in time—is key in maintaining children's health. Any departure from a prior growth pattern appropriate for the child's genetic background may signal the appearance of a disease.