ABSTRACT
To define the spectrum and types of musculoskeletal disorders in patients living/residing in rehabilitation institutes in the eastern province of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. All the residents in the 4 rehabilitation institutes in the eastern province, KSA were evaluated by a consultant nurse team. A total of 608 residents [352 males, 256 females, age range 2-97 years] were examined. Musculoskeletal deformities were identified in 256 [41.6%]. These deformities included kyphosis 47 [7.7%], scoliosis 57 [9.4%], kyphoscoliosis 38 [6.3%], contractures in the upper extremities 111 [15.2%] and the lower extremities 191 [31.4%]. Finger deformities were seen in 40 [6.6%], wrist deformities 46 [6.1%] and club foot 58 [9.5%] patients. Most of these patients suffered from cerebral palsy. Musculoskeletal deformities are frequently seen in institutionalized patients. Identification and accurate quantification of these and other abnormalities may be useful in planning the type and scope of rehabilitation and other support services in such institutions