Q67: Congenital musculoskeletal deformities of head, face, spine and chest

Congenital musculoskeletal deformities of the head, face, spine, and chest refer to a group of conditions that children are born with, which affect their body's structure. These deformities are caused by various factors — genetic changes, maternal health issues during pregnancy, or harmful environmental exposures. Kids with these conditions may have irregularities in their head or face shape, abnormal spine curvature, or defects in the chest wall. Symptoms depend on the specific type of deformity but can include physical differences and potential limitations in movement or function. These deformities form during fetal development, and their progression varies widely, from staying static to worsening over time. In many cases, the skeletal system is the primary affected system, but other organs can sometimes also be implicated depending on the severity of the deformity. It's crucial to note that these disorders are not contagious as they are usually linked to problems that occurred while the child was developing in the womb.