In: Nursing
what would be some different findings when assessing the musculoskeletal system of an infant or a child , compare to an adult?
Varied musculosketal findings are found while assessing infant or child, when comparing to adult. Many musculoskeletal deformities in infants results form the intrauterine positions The infants or children are generally bowlegged ( genu varus position ) upto the age of two. After the lower limbs changes to a knock- kneed position until the age of 5 to 7 years. After, the lower limbs change to a straightened one , like in adults. A Blount's disease is diagnosed, if excessive bowing is there.Therefore , a bowleg and knock knee are common among infants and children while in adults it is a deformity.There are also differences in alignment of limbs. Range of motion degrees also varies in infants and children, compared to adults. Flat foot is also a normal condition in children , which will get normal as the child grows. Normal musculoskeletal development in infants or children such as bow leg, knock knee, flat foot when found in adults are deformities.