a disorder of bones that affects persons of both sexes of any age. Among the early features are short stature and delayed ambulation. Sometimes affected patients have mental retardation. Characteristically there is bilateral bowing of the long tubular bones, principally the tibia, with anterior curvature. The apex of the curvature occurs at the junction of its middle and lower thirds of the bone. In addition, the adjacent fibula is commonly bowed and enlarged. Other bones may also may show bowing and deformity. The clinical and radiological features of this syndrome resemble the sabre shin deformity of congenital or acquired syphilis.