James S. Tiff, a 19-year old male, is immobile and hospitalizedfor pneumonia. He has a long history of progressive weakening ofhis muscles. In the first year of his life, James reached manygross motor skill milestones, such as holding his head up, rollingover, sitting, and standing, at normal times. However, he did notwalk until age 16 months, and by age two, started to assume alordotic posture while standing but not while sitting. A Gower'ssign was noted by age four, as was a Trendelenberg gait. Over thenext several years, he suffered progressive muscle weakness, mostnotably in the proximal musculature of the arms, pelvis, and legs.By age 9, he required orthotic braces to assist his walking, and byage 11, he was confined to wheelchair ambulation. In his early teenyears, James was still able to use eating utensils, write, and typeon a keyboard, though these functions have declined over the pastyear. At 16, he was hospitalized with bronchitis requiringantibiotic treatment, but recovered. Throughout the years, Jameshas had no history of muscle pain or spasm, chest pain, orirregular heartbeat. He was diagnosed with a learning disability inthe fourth grade, but has progressed through the grades withtutorial assistance. The only medications that he normally takesare calcium and fluoride supplements. James has a younger sister ingood health and a younger brother (age 10) who is confined to awheelchair with problems similar to James's. No other immediate ordistant family members have musculoskeletal difficulties.?
a) What disease does James suffer from?
b) What muscles are most severely affected by this diseaseprocess?
c) Why did James's calves enlarge? What is the conditioncalled?
d) Why is it important for James to take calcium and fluoridesupplements?
James S. Tiff, a 19-year old male, is immobile and hospitalizedfor pneumonia. He has a long history of progressive weakening ofhis muscles. In the first year of his life, James reached manygross motor skill milestones, such as holding his head up, rollingover, sitting, and standing, at normal times. However, he did notwalk until age 16 months, and by age two, started to assume alordotic posture while standing but not while sitting. A Gower'ssign was noted by age four, as was a Trendelenberg gait. Over thenext several years, he suffered progressive muscle weakness, mostnotably in the proximal musculature of the arms, pelvis, and legs.By age 9, he required orthotic braces to assist his walking, and byage 11, he was confined to wheelchair ambulation. In his early teenyears, James was still able to use eating utensils, write, and typeon a keyboard, though these functions have declined over the pastyear. At 16, he was hospitalized with bronchitis requiringantibiotic treatment, but recovered. Throughout the years, Jameshas had no history of muscle pain or spasm, chest pain, orirregular heartbeat. He was diagnosed with a learning disability inthe fourth grade, but has progressed through the grades withtutorial assistance. The only medications that he normally takesare calcium and fluoride supplements. James has a younger sister ingood health and a younger brother (age 10) who is confined to awheelchair with problems similar to James's. No other immediate ordistant family members have musculoskeletal difficulties.?
a) What disease does James suffer from?
b) What muscles are most severely affected by this diseaseprocess?
c) Why did James's calves enlarge? What is the conditioncalled?
d) Why is it important for James to take calcium and fluoridesupplements?
