LARSEN SYNDROME - REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND ANALYSIS OF 38 CASES

Thirty-eight cases of Larsen's syndrome in patients living on Reunion Island were analyzed, with an average follow-up of 13 years. Fourteen of these patients died of early complications secondary to dislocation of the cervical spine, tracheomalacias, heart disease, and severe res piratory infection. These children pose a problem of planning early tr eatment. Clubfeet must be treated conservatively early, and operation should be postponed until after knee deformities are corrected by plas ter cast and/or early operation. Unilateral hip dislocations should be treated surgically in the second year of life. Treatment of bilateral hip dislocations is best neglected. Finally, the spinal status of the se children must be monitored throughout their life.