In 2006, Little People of America, Inc. (LPA) issued a position summary neither advocating for or against extended limb lengthening.  LPA is the largest SUPPORT organization for people of short stature.  In 1957, Billy Barty had the courage to make a national public appeal for all LITTLE PEOPLE in America to join him for a gathering in Reno, Nevada.  Today, LPA supports people with dwarfism by hosting the national conference, facilitating peer and parent support, medical resources and referrals, scholarships, and programs that benefit the dwarfism community, while trying to promote education, community outreach, personal and family strength, and life achievements. 

There are NO established medical indications for extended limb lengthening (ELL). It is a long and painful procedure performed on dwarfs primarily for adaptive, cosmetic, and psychosocial reasons.  

1.   Not adopting a statement in opposition of extended limb lengthening flies in the face of a support organization supporting little people to have pride in their short stature.

2.   Not adopting a statement in opposition of extended limb lengthening sends a message to new parents that it might be better for their dwarf child to endure a long and painful procedure performed primarily for adaptive, cosmetic, and psychosocial reasons.

3.  Not adopting a statement in opposition of extended limb lengthening leaves LPA vulnerable to the public’s misinterpretations LPA’s mission to improve “the quality of life for people with dwarfism throughout their lives while celebrating with great pride Little People’s contribution to social diversity.  LPA strives to bring solutions and global awareness to the prominent issues affecting individuals of short stature and their families.”  Extended limb lengthening is NOT a solution to the prominent issues affecting individuals of short stature and their families.  A solution is the means of solving a problem, and presumably, LPA does not propose that short limbs are a problem.  

LPA's Position Summary on ELL