Fairbanks disease

Fairbanks disease or multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) is a rare genetic disorder (dominant form--1 in 10,000 births) which affects the growing ends of bones. Bones usually elongate by a process that involves the depositing of cartilage at the ends of the bones, called ossification. This cartilage then mineralizes and hardens to become bone. In MED, this process is defective. Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) encompasses a spectrum of skeletal disorders, most of which are inherited in an autosomal dominant form. However, there is also an autosomal recessive form.

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Children with autosomal dominant MED experience joint pain and fatigue after exercising. Their x-rays show small and irregular ossifications centers, most apparent in the hips and knees. A waddling gait may develop. The spine is normal but may have a few irregularities. By adulthood, people with MED are of short stature or in the low range of normal and have short limbs relative to their trunk. Frequently, movement becomes limited at the major joints, especially at the elbows. However, loose knee and finger joints can occur. Signs of osteoarthritis usually begin in early adulthood.

Children with recessive MED also experience joint pain, particularly of the hips and knees, but they also commonly have deformities of the hands, feet, knees, and/or vertebral column (like scoliosis). Approximately 50% of affected children have abnormal findings at birth (i.e. club foot, cleft palate, inward curving fingers due to underdeveloped bones, or rarely, ear swelling). Height is within the normal range prior to puberty. As adults, people with MED are only slightly more diminished in stature but still within the normal range. Functional disabilities of the joints are mild or absent.