RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Lax ligament syndrome in children associated with blue sclera and bat ears. JF British Journal of General Practice JO Br J Gen Pract FD British Journal of General Practice SP 233 OP 235 VO 40 IS 335 A1 Howard, F M YR 1990 UL http://bjgp.org/content/40/335/233.abstract AB The child that is slow to walk causes concern. When cerebral palsy, mental retardation and muscular dystrophy have been excluded, what remains? Thirty five children (19 boys and 16 girls) with hypermobile joints, blue sclera and bat ears (the 'lax ligament syndrome') were referred by general practitioners to a general paediatric outpatient clinic over two years. Three were referred in the first three months of life because of clicking hips; 14 children aged one to two years, had delayed milestones of motor development and exhibited bottom shuffling; 10 children aged four to five years presented with 'growing pains' or 'funny gait' and eight older children had multiple minor complaints. The lax ligament syndrome is a comparatively common mild collagenopathy. It may well come to light on routine surveillance in general practice. It is dominantly inherited and improves with time; management is therefore expectant and symptomatic. A firm and reassuring diagnosis can be given which saves both anxiety and investigations.