Musculoskeletal development: a review.

The early development of the limbs, the skeletal and muscular systems, and the joints and early changes in joint mobility are reviewed. The musculoskeletal system is vulnerable to failures of specific morphogenetic processes in the embryonic period. Congenital anomalies and postural deformities also may arise in the fetal period. Awareness of prenatal and postnatal events and their timing will assist health care workers in management of pediatric clients.