Lax ligament syndrome in children associated with blue sclera and bat ears.
Year: 1990
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The child that is slow to walk causes concern. When cerebral palsy, mental retardation and muscular dystrophy have been excluded, what remains? Thirty five children (19 boys and 16 girls) with hypermobile joints, blue sclera and bat ears (the 'lax ligament syndrome') were referred by general practitioners to a general paediatric outpatient clinic over two years. Three were referred in the first three months of life because of clicking hips; 14 children aged one to two years, had delayed milestones of motor development and exhibited bottom shuffling; 10 children aged four to five years presented with 'growing pains' or 'funny gait' and eight older children had multiple minor complaints. The lax ligament syndrome is a comparatively common mild collagenopathy. It may well come to light on routine surveillance in general practice. It is dominantly inherited and improves with time; management is therefore expectant and symptomatic. A firm and reassuring diagnosis can be given which saves both anxiety and investigations.
Source: Europe PMC (PubMed Central)
Author: F M Howard
Institution: Frimley Park Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W15464889