Paediatric orthopaedics focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal issues in children. This subspecialty addresses a wide range of conditions related to children’s bones, muscles, and joints.
Our dedicated paediatric orthopaedists provide comprehensive care for conditions present at birth, those that develop over time, and any acquired issues.
Common Paediatric Orthopaedic Conditions
- Fractures: A fracture, commonly referred to as a broken bone, occurs when there is a tear or crack in the bone. Young children are particularly susceptible to fractures due to factors such as bone size, mineral content, and increased physical activity.
- Club Foot: This is a congenital foot deformity where the foot is twisted or misshapen. Clubfoot is prevalent in infants and is caused by shortened tendons.
- Flat Feet: Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet do not develop properly during childhood, causing the entire soles to touch the ground while standing. This condition is generally painless.
- Bowed Legs: Common in toddlers, bowed legs are characterized by a noticeable gap between the legs when standing, causing them to appear curved outward.
- Juvenile Arthritis: While arthritis is often associated with older individuals, children can also develop a form called juvenile arthritis, leading to persistent pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
- Developmental Problems: These refer to disabilities or growth defects that may arise from genetic disorders, premature birth, or malnutrition.
- Metabolic Bone Disorders: These include rare and complex conditions such as rickets, brittle bone disease, and vitamin D disorders.
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): This condition affects the formation of the hip sockets and joints, often developing before birth.
- Cerebral Palsy: This group of disorders impacts movement, posture, and muscle tone, leading to difficulties in walking and abnormal posture, usually emerging during infancy or early childhood.
- Scoliosis: A spinal deformity that manifests during puberty, scoliosis causes sideways curvature of the spine, which can become debilitating if not addressed promptly.
Diagnosis of Orthopaedic Conditions in Children
Children may struggle to articulate their symptoms, necessitating specialized care from a paediatric orthopaedist. While many orthopaedic conditions are visible, healthcare providers often conduct various tests and procedures, including physical evaluations, X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, lab tests, and functional movement assessments, to accurately diagnose the issue.
Treatment of Orthopaedic Conditions in Children
Treatment plans for musculoskeletal conditions in children are tailored to individual needs based on medical history, symptom severity, overall health, and specific diagnoses. Common treatment options include:
- Active surveillance
- Medicinal interventions
- Non-invasive procedures such as splinting, casting, bracing, and orthotics
- Surgical interventions for deformity correction
- Physiotherapy
A combination of these approaches may be employed to ensure comprehensive care and effective recovery for your child.
Advice for Parents
Seeing a child face orthopaedic challenges can be overwhelming for parents and caregivers. Providing the right support during treatment is crucial. We recommend that parents and guardians participate in counselling sessions to better understand their child’s needs and care requirements. Don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns or questions to your child’s healthcare provider. Our paediatric orthopaedists are highly trained professionals who can offer valuable information, guidance, and reassurance throughout the treatment process.
Why Choose Us for Paediatric Orthopaedics?
- Designed as a baby-friendly hospital in accordance with WHO guidelines
- Internationally recognized paediatric orthopaedists
- State-of-the-art Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Specialized Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
At our Department of Orthopaedics, we merge expertise in childcare with advanced bone and joint health practices to deliver exceptional care to infants, children, and young adults. Our facility adheres to WHO guidelines for baby-friendly hospitals, ensuring a safe environment for our youngest patients. We provide 24/7 critical care services for neonates and premature infants with special needs in our Level III NICU. Our team of orthopaedists is dedicated to offering thorough treatments for your child’s musculoskeletal concerns in a safe and nurturing setting.
