Dwarfism is manifested by short-stature which is usually considered to be 4 foot 10 inches in height or shorter. The word midget was used to signify individuals with proportionate short stature but the term is generally considered unacceptable these days. Proportionate short-stature was primarily due to growth hormone deficiency in the past. This form of proportionate short stature is now treated with supplemental growth hormone in children. The term gigantism refers to a condition of tall stature where an excess of growth hormone occurs in prepubertal children.
Gigantism is extremely rare.
It is associated with enlarged soft tissues and late skeletal growth plate closure. Height may reach 7-8 feet. Other causes of tall stature include Marfan syndrome, a condition that causes tall stature, eye and heart abnormalities.