Prevention of fixed, angular kyphosis in achondroplasia

Transient kyphotic deformity arises in most infants with achondroplasia. In a minority, a fixed and angular kyphosis develops, which can cause serious neurologic sequelae later in life. We assessed a protocol for preventing development of such fixed kyphosis in a sequential, unselected series of 66...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of pediatric orthopaedics Vol. 17; no. 6; p. 726
Main Authors Pauli, R M, Breed, A, Horton, V K, Glinski, L P, Reiser, C A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.11.1997
Subjects
Achondroplasia - complications
Achondroplasia - diagnostic imaging
Algorithms
Braces
Chi-Square Distribution
Female
Humans
Infant
Kyphosis - diagnostic imaging
Kyphosis - etiology
Kyphosis - prevention & control
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Radiography
Statistics, Nonparametric
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Summary:Transient kyphotic deformity arises in most infants with achondroplasia. In a minority, a fixed and angular kyphosis develops, which can cause serious neurologic sequelae later in life. We assessed a protocol for preventing development of such fixed kyphosis in a sequential, unselected series of 66 infants with achondroplasia. This study demonstrates the efficacy of early prohibition of unsupported sitting and, in those in whom such prohibition proves insufficient, use of bracing. When the proposed algorithm was followed, none of the infants had development of a progressive kyphotic deformity. On this basis, it appears that the secondary risks of angular kyphosis, previously estimated to be between 10 and 15% in individuals with achondroplasia, can be completely eliminated.
ISSN:0271-6798
1539-2570
DOI:10.1097/00004694-199711000-00006