[Orthopedic problems in children caused by neuromuscular diseases]

In the child, neuromuscular diseases have an affect not only on the soft tissues but also on the skeleton, with consequences regarding statics and locomotion. Problems essentially involve the joints of the lower limb. Certain are due to muscular imbalance, eg. an unstable hip, coxa valga, hyperanteversion or miscellaneous abnormalities of the knee. Others are due to sensory denervation, resulting in "neurological joints". Vertebro-pelvic abnormalities also occur with manifestations, according to the individual case, including tilting of the pelvis, paralytic scoliosis or vertebral dysmorphism. It is easy to understand the importance of awareness of such abnormalities, which can be detected early radiologically, and then subjected to expert evaluation in order to be able to select in good time the most appropriate orthopedic management.