Depakote Skeletal Defects (Spinal Defects)
What are Skeletal Defects (Spinal Defects)?
Skeletal and spinal birth defects involve abnormalities in the growth and development of a baby's spine and or skeletal structure. Congenital skeletal - spinal defects may result in abnormal growth and development, involving bones, joints and cartilage. Specific birth defects which can occur may include such congenital skeletal anomalies of the spine (or vertebral anomalies) as fused ribs, malformed joints, malformed shoulder blades, missing collarbones, or missing vertebrae, particularly in the spinal region. Some patients that have fused ribs must undergo replacement of the ribs with titanium ribs, if their ribcages do not grow with the rest of the body. The titanium ribs may have to be replaced multiple times throughout a patient’s lifetime, while if the lower few vertebrae, known also as the sacrum, are missing, it generally causes no ill affect on the patient.
Causes of Skeletal Defects (Spinal Defects)
While no single cause has been identified for skeletal - spinal defects, the development of the skeleton and spine is coordinated by complex morphogenetic events, and is highly susceptible to teratogenic drugs (anti-epileptics such as Depakene, Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkle, Divalproex Sodium, Valproate Sodium and Valproic Acid), environmental and genetic factors.
Cleidocranial Dysostosis is a general skeletal condition so named from the collarbone (cleido-) and cranium deformities which people with it often have. Common features include, partly or completely missing collarbones. If the collarbones are completely missing or reduced to small vestiges, this allows hypermobility of the shoulders including ability to touch the shoulders together in front of the chest.
Sprengel's Deformity is a rare and congenital skeletal abnormality where a person has one shoulder blade that sits higher on the back than the other. The deformity is due to a failure in early fetal development where the shoulder fails to descend properly from the neck to its final position. The deformity is commonly associated with other conditions, most notably Klippel-Feil syndrome, congenital scoliosis including cervical scoliosis, fused ribs, the presence of an omovertebral bone and spina bifida. The left shoulder is the most commonly affected shoulder but the condition can be bilateral meaning that both shoulders are affected. About 75% of all observed cases are girls. Treatment includes surgery in early childhood and physical therapy.
Coxa Vara, also known as Mau-Nilsonne Syndrome, is a deformity of the hip, where the angle between the ball and the shaft of the femur is reduced to less than 120 degrees, resulting in the leg being shortened. It can occur when the bone tissue in the neck of the femur is softer than normal, bending under the weight of the body. The most common cause of coxa vara is either congenital or developmental. Shepherds Crook deformity is a severe form of coxa vara where the proximal femur is severely deformed with a reduction in the neck shaft angle beyond 90 degrees. The condition is asymptomatic if congenital or developmental. In severe cases abduction may be severely restricted, causing a waddling type gait. The biomechanics of the hip will be affected as the lever arm is lengthened causing more shear forces through the femoral neck predisposing it to stress fractures. This may also lead to progression of the deformity.
Genu Valgum, also known as knock-knees, is a condition where the knees angle in and touch one another when the legs are straightened. Females have a wider pelvis than men and a relatively shorter length of the thigh bone, and as a result, have a greater static genu valgum than men. Individuals with severe valgus deformities are typically unable to touch their feet together while simultaneously straightening the legs. Mild genu valgum can be seen in children from ages 2 to 5, and is often corrected naturally as children grow. Idiopathic is the term used to describe genu valgum that is a congenital birth defect.
Genu Recurvatum is a deformity in the knee joint, where the knee bends backwards. In this deformity, excessive extension of the tibiofemoral joint occurs. Genu recurvatum is also called knee hyperextension and back knee. This deformity is more common in women and people with ligamentous laxity. Hyperextension of the knee may be mild, moderate, or severe. Normal range of motion of the knee joint is from 0 to 135 degrees in the adult person. Full knee extension should be 0 degrees. In genu recurvatum (back knee), extension increases significantly beyond normal extension.
Speak to a Depakote Lawyer
The Willis Law firm has represented clients in Pharmaceutical Product Liability and Personal Injury litigation for over 25 years. We thoroughly understand the pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical product-liability drug litigation. You are not alone. If your child was born with Spina Bifida or other major congenital neural tube and skeletal malformations that may have resulted from your being prescribed and taking Depakote during pregnancy, please contact our law firm immediately to discuss your legal options. Please keep in mind that certain states have a statute of limitations regarding the amount of time you have to seek legal action.
The Willis Law Firm has been responsible for recovering significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. Financial recoveries can never bring back a loved one, but can help families deal with the financial stress associated with a life-changing injury or illness. They may also help prevent similar injuries to others in the future by holding pharmaceutical companies responsible today. Consulting a skilled and experienced pharmaceutical products-liability attorney is your first step in receiving the justice you and your family deserve. Contact us today for a free and confidential Depakote Side Effects lawsuit evaluation.
