How does Marfan syndrome affect the skeletal system?
Most patients are evaluated for Marfan syndrome because of their skeletal manifestations. A person with the disorder will usually be tall, thin, and loose-jointed. Frequent symptoms of the disease include long, slender fingers and toes (arachnodactyly) and flat arches (pes planus). Curvature of the spine (scoliosis and kyphosis) and protrusion or indentations of the breastbone (pectus carinatum and excavatum) are also common manifestations. The roof of the mouth (palate) may be highly arched, causing dental crowding, and the face may seem narrow and elongated. Persons with Marfan syndrome may also demonstrate an arm-span-to-height ratio greater than 1.05.
