Categories of Orthopedic Impairment

Neurological Conditions

are conditions that are a result of damage to or deterioration of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The extent of the damage or deterioration may be mild or severe, focal (limited in scope) or diffuse, and may cause limited impairment or extensive, long lasting effects.Neurological conditions often effect:

the child's movement and posture
if the impairment is more diffuse, cause other associated impairments such as speech and language difficulties, vision or hearing impairments, mental retardation or learning disabilities, and deficits in academic or self-help skills.

Neurologic conditions include:

epilepsy
cerebral palsy
traumatic brain injury
spinal cord injuries
spina bifida

Musculoskeletal Conditions

This category contains conditions that cause orthopedic (physical) impairments as a result of damage or deterioration of the muscles or bones. Musculoskeletal conditions may result from defects in structure/function or diseases of the muscles or bones. Musculoskeletal conditions primarily effect the child's joints and muscles and effect the individual's ability to move about, sit, stand, and possibly use their hands or arms. Examples of musculoskeletal conditions include"

muscular dystrophy
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
arthrogryposis multiplex
osteogenesis imperfecta
club foot
hip dysplasia
Legg-Calf Perthes

Congenital Malformations

are conditions that result in malformations of the body. Typically the congenital malformations are a result of a genetic defect, the influence of a teratogen, virus or bacteria, or simply a developmental accident. Congenital malformations may result in an improperly formed limb, or the absence of part of the whole limb. Malformations effect the child's abilities to move about, use certain body parts, and if extensive limit the child's ability to engage in certain academic or self-care skills.

Congenital Malformations include:

missing limbs or digits
malformed limbs or digits