PATELLAR DISLOCATION IN RUBINSTEIN-TAYBI-SYNDROME

This report describes 11 patients with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) and patellar dislocation. The age at diagnosis of patellar dislocatio n ranged from birth to 16 years, Ten patients had chronic dislocations and 8 of 11 had bilateral patellar dislocations. Eight patients requi red surgical stabilization of the patella; most achieved a good outcom e with surgical repair. All families reported that the patellar disloc ations impaired developmental skills which improved after surgery. Sev en of the 11 patients were described as having other joint abnormaliti es including congenital dislocations and laxity of the joints. Patient s with RTS should undergo regular thorough joint examinations, includi ng the knees, because abnormalities may result in delay of attainment of motor skills. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.