The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 60, Issue 3 363-365, Copyright © 1978 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Musculoskeletal problems in blind children
PE Scranton, MW Clark and SJ McClosky
At a regional school for the blind, 157 children were examined for
musculoskeletal abnormalities. The incidence of scoliosis was 9.5 per cent;
of foot deformity, 53.5 percent; and of ligament laxity, 25 per cent.
Thirty-six children (23 per cent) had evidence of spastic, flaccid, or
athetoid cerebral palsy or other disorders of the central nervous system.
The orthopaedist should evaluate blind children carefully and repeatedly
for evidence of occult cerebral palsy and progressive deformity of the
spine or foot.