Category Orthopedics

Hematologic Disorders

Hemophilia Hemophilia, a genetically determined disorder, is characterized by abnormal blood coagulation as a result of a functional deficiency of factor VIII or IX. Since biblical times, the crippling deformities of the musculoskeletal system and death resulting from uncontrolled hemorrhage…

Orthopaedic-Related Syndromes

Marfan Syndrome Patients with Marfan syndrome are a clinically diverse group, but they classically exhibit tall stature, long thin limbs, long thin spider-like digits (arachnodactyly), dislocation of the ocular lens, and cardiac anomalies. In 1896, Marfan, a French pediatrician, described…

Skeletal Dysplasias

Overview This chapter describes the major skeletal dysplasias seen in the pediatric population. In each of these conditions a structural abnormality in the bone itself leads to disturbances in growth of the trunk or extremities. More than 200 bone dysplasias…

Muscle Diseases

The author wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Lori A. Karol for her work in the previous edition version of this chapter. Muscular Dystrophies Overview The muscular dystrophies are a group of genetically determined, progressive diseases of skeletal muscle (…

Poliomyelitis

The original language of this chapter by Dr. Tachdjian has been left unaltered as much as possible because we currently have no direct experience with acute poliomyelitis. Poliomyelitis is an acute infectious disease caused by a group of neurotropic viruses…