Orthopaedic aspects of the VATER association.

The cases of twenty-eight patients with the VATER association, which consists of various combinations of vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia, radial dysplasia, and renal anomalies, were reviewed. Associated anomalies included deformities of the ribs and lower limbs, a two-artery umbilical cord, a congenital heart defect, and auricular deformities. Three children died in the first two years of life. Of the remaining twenty-five patients, twelve have required a total of seventeen orthopaedic procedures for the treatment of congenital scoliosis or deformity of the upper or lower extremities.