Abstract
Medical Genetics is a transversal discipline with the potential to impact on every specialty and subspecialty in medicine and the allied health sciences. The completion of the human genome project resulted in technical advancements in genomics, genomic testing and our understanding of genetic disorders in general. These advancements have greatly enhanced our understanding of the role of genetics in Orthopaedic practice, with respect to both monogenic and complex disorders. Tygerberg Hospital is currently the only state hospital in South Africa to support genetic testing in the form of gene panels as part of routine care. This is complemented by more comprehensive research testing in the form of exome and genome sequencing as part of the Undiagnosed Disease Programme.
We audit the genetic and genomic testing done on patients referred from the Orthopaedic clinic over a period of 3 years (2020–2022) and review diagnostic rates and interesting results.
The largest group of patients referred (n=50) had a clinical diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). A 100% diagnostic yield was achieved for these patients with the identification of recurring variants (FKBP10, COL1A2). Further families (n=20) with much rarer conditions are presented with important implications on the orthopaedic and medical management, prognosis, and genetic counselling for the families.
We highlight the impact of genomic testing in the Orthopaedic clinic. Management changes and precision orthopaedic intervention were only possible due to a genetic diagnosis. We motivate for increased access to testing, especially for younger patients presenting with complex orthopaedic phenotypes.
