[A clinical analysis of a group of Down's patients]

The authors report their experience of the clinical analysis of 40 handicapped subjects: 28 suffered from various degrees of mental handicap and 12 had Down's syndrome. In particular, the authors focused their attention on anomalies of the stomatognathic apparatus in Down subjects, and examined and compared all those factors which are normally attributed to this pathology. An analysis of these findings shows a heterogeneity of clinical conditions which is not revealed in the literature. In the light of these new experiences, before applying pre-programmed protocols in Down's patients it is important to carry out a careful control of their dental, muscular and functional situation together with the prospects for growth and development.