DOWN'S SYNDROME: ORTHOPAEDIC ABNORMALITIES IN ADULTS

(From: Christopherson et al (1986) Orthopaedic abnormalities of adults with Down's syndrome. Dev. Med Child Neurol. P103)

Radiological changes in 129 adults age 20-59 years (USA). Severity of radiological changes not matched by clinical state. only 3% complained of pain. 5% required surgical intervention

Diffuse degenerative changes in cervical spine		33%
Cervical subluxations at every level - neurological sequelae rare		23%
Scoliosis		40%
Degenerative changes in thoracolumbarspine - probably secondary to scoliosis		21%
Degenerative arthritis: hip knee foot ankle		10% 12% 18% 5%

(From: Diamond et al (1981) Orthopaedic disorders in patients with Down's syndrome. Orthopaedic clinics of North America. 12 1 p57 -71)

Most critical problems:

Last updated 01.09.01