Musculoskeletal anomalies in children with Down syndrome: an observational study.
Issue Date
2018-11-24Keywords
musculo-skeletalOrthopaedics
syndrome
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
DOWN SYNDROME
MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
CHILDREN
Metadata
Show full item recordJournal
Archives of disease in childhoodDOI
10.1136/archdischild-2018-315751PubMed ID
30472668Abstract
Background: Musculoskeletal complications of Down syndrome (DS) are common but infrequently reported. The combination of ligamentous laxity and low muscle tone contributes to increased risk of a number of musculoskeletal disorders and a delay in acquisition of motor milestones. The primary aim of this study was to describe musculoskeletal anomalies reported in a national cohort of children with DS. Methods: This was an observational study. Children with DS, aged 0-21 years, were invited to attend a musculoskeletal assessment clinic conducted by a paediatric physician. Relevant musculoskeletal history and clinical findings were documented. Results: Over an 18-month period, 503 children with DS were examined (56% male). The median age was 8.1 years (0.6-19.2). Pes planus was almost universal, occurring in 91% of the cohort. A range of other musculoskeletal anomalies were observed, with inflammatory arthritis (7%) and scoliosis (4.8%) occurring most frequently after pes planus. Delay in ambulation was common; the median age to walk was 28 months (12-84). Conclusion: Children with DS are at increased risk of a number of potentially debilitating musculoskeletal problems. These conditions can present in variable manners or be completely asymptomatic. Pes planus is common; therefore, early consideration of orthotics and lifelong appropriate supportive footwear should be considered. Delayed ambulation is frequently noted. A significant proportion of children with DS have arthritis; however, despite a high prevalence, it is often missed, leading to delayed diagnosis. An annual musculoskeletal assessment for all children with DS could potentially enable early detection of problems, allowing for timely multidisciplinary team intervention and better clinical outcomes.Item Type
ArticleLanguage
enEISSN
1468-2044ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1136/archdischild-2018-315751
Scopus Count
Collections
Related articles
- Arthropathy of Down syndrome: an under-diagnosed inflammatory joint disease that warrants a name change.
- Authors: Foley CM, Deely DA, MacDermott EJ, Killeen OG
- Issue date: 2019
- Down syndrome in children: the role of the orthopaedic surgeon.
- Authors: Caird MS, Wills BP, Dormans JP
- Issue date: 2006 Oct
- A podoscopic and descriptive study of foot deformities in patients with Down syndrome.
- Authors: Mansour E, Yaacoub JJ, Bakouny Z, Assi A, Ghanem I
- Issue date: 2017 Feb
- Feeding problems and gastrointestinal diseases in Down syndrome.
- Authors: Ravel A, Mircher C, Rebillat AS, Cieuta-Walti C, Megarbane A
- Issue date: 2020 Jan
- The Diagnostic Capacity of Physical Examinations in Diagnosing Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Lower Limbs in Children with Down Syndrome.
- Authors: Machado BL, Correia RR, Pereira GA, Maemura IH, Fonseca CRB, de Arruda Lourenção PLT
- Issue date: 2023 Nov 10