Dysmorphic Child: Orthopedic Perspective

This text provides a systematic clinical classification of syndromes inwhich an orthopedic malformation is the most prominent feature. These syndromes are grouped according to the orthopedic malformation that they share in common and that makes them look alike to the orthopedic surgeon, e.g., polydactyly, syndactyly, club hands, congenital amputations, arthrogryposis, and body asymmetry. Each of the major syndromes characterized by these malformations is discussed with respect to its natural history, inheritance pattern, and critical nonorthopedic components. Dr. Goldberg offers valuable guidelines for identifying these syndromes by a thorough history and physical examination and by careful observation of traits appearing in the child and its parents. Close attention is given to concomitant cardiac, hematologic, and other birth defects that must be considered in making surgical decisions, and concrete recommendations on the optimal method and timing of surgery are offered. For those orthopedists requiring a more extensive list of possible diagnoses of a dysmorphic patient, the less common syndromes having the same orthopedic malformation are briefly summarized in tables.