Problems in the Musculoskeletal System

Lower limbs

Pectus carinatum and knock-knee deformity (genu valgus) begin at approximately 3 years of age, and progressively worsen as growth continues. Ligamentous laxity plays a part in the development of knock-knee. In severe cases, the knock-knee may interfere with ambulation. Around age 7 or 8, a patient typically has a lower limb osteotomy to correct the deformity. Typically, the outcome is good, and the results are permanent because growth typically stops around this age. However, due to the habitual atlantoaxial instability, neurological integrity may be compromised, and patients have considerable difficulty in learning to walk again.

Hips

Dislocation of the hips is typically observed, especially as weight-bearing increases. The dislocation, however, is asymptomatic and usually does not impair function. Therefore, most patients abstain from surgical intervention. Yet if patients are considerably physically active, especially as adults, symptomatic osteoarthritis of the hip may develop.

Upper Limbs

Ligamentous laxity is severe, especially of the wrists and ankles. The force able to be delivered by the long flexors of the fingers and thumbs becomes considerably weak. The wrists need to be stabilized, which will help to increase the effectiveness of the muscles and to improve function. Wrist fusions have been attempted, however most attempts have failed.

Spine

Atlanto-axial instability along with myelopathy of the upper cervical spinal cord is a severe problem. Upper motor neurons begin to lose function, there is vague pain in the lower limbs, superficial paresthesias of the feet, vibratory sensation progressively worsens, mobility becomes impaired, and the ability to control the sphincters and to breathe is compromised. If left untreated, most males lose their ability to walk and may possibly die of chronic respiratory failure. The course is typically not as severe in female patients. The rate of progression of cervical myelopathy is variable, however surgical intervention is needed to halt the downward trend. Fusion of the upper cervical spine is frequently recommended. However, care must be taken when administering the anesthesia, due to the risks associated with atlanto-axial instability. Spinal fusion may be supplemented by instrumentation (metal implants) to support the bones until the fusion mass consolidates. In cases of diagnostic doubt, further information can be obtained by means of an MRI scan (with flexion-extension views and CSF flow studies). It allows accurate determination of the degree of spinal cord compression and space available for the cord.