Pediatric orthopaedics is a specialized field focused on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal issues in children. This subspecialty addresses a wide array of conditions related to children’s bones, muscles, and joints.
Our pediatric orthopaedists provide comprehensive care for conditions that may arise from birth or develop over time.
Common Pediatric Orthopaedic Conditions
- Fractures: A fracture, commonly known as a broken bone, is a tear or crack in the bone. Children are particularly susceptible to fractures due to factors such as smaller bone size, lower mineral content, and increased activity levels.
- Club Foot: Club foot is a congenital deformity where a child’s foot is twisted or misaligned. This common condition occurs due to shortened tendons.
- Flat Feet: Flat feet is a widespread and generally painless condition where the arches of the feet do not develop in childhood, causing the soles to touch the ground when standing.
- Bowed Legs: This condition is often seen in toddlers, characterized by a noticeable gap between the knees when standing, causing the legs to appear curved outward.
- Juvenile Arthritis: While arthritis is often associated with older individuals, children can also suffer from a type known as juvenile arthritis, which leads to persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Developmental Problems: Also referred to as developmental delays, these are progressive disabilities or growth issues that can arise from genetic disorders, premature birth, or malnutrition.
- Metabolic Bone Disorders: These include rare and complex conditions such as rickets, brittle bone disease, vitamin D disorders, and bone mass disorders.
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): This condition involves abnormal formation of the hip joints and sockets, typically present from birth.
- Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement, posture, and muscle tone, cerebral palsy can lead to difficulties in walking, abnormal posture, and impaired movement.
- Scoliosis: This spinal deformity, which typically begins during puberty, causes a sideways curvature of the spine and can lead to significant issues if not treated promptly.
Diagnosis of Orthopaedic Conditions in Children
Diagnosing orthopaedic conditions in children requires the specialized expertise of a pediatric orthopaedist, as children may struggle to articulate their symptoms. While many conditions are visibly apparent, our healthcare providers may recommend various tests, including physical examinations, X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, lab tests, sensory evaluations, and functional movement assessments.
Treatment of Orthopaedic Conditions in Children
The treatment plan for your child’s musculoskeletal condition will be tailored to their medical history, symptom severity, overall health, and specific diagnosis.
Common treatment options include:
- Active Surveillance
- Medication
- Non-invasive Procedures: These include splinting, casting, bracing, and orthotics.
- Surgery: For deformity correction and other invasive procedures.
- Physiotherapy
In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used to ensure comprehensive care and effective recovery for your child.
Advice for Parents
Orthopaedic conditions in children are not unusual, but they can be distressing for parents and caregivers. It is crucial to provide the right support and care throughout your child’s treatment journey. We recommend that parents and guardians participate in counseling sessions to enhance their understanding of the conditions and the care required. Don’t hesitate to express your concerns to your child’s healthcare provider; our pediatric orthopaedists are well-trained to provide valuable information and address your fears regarding your child’s treatment.
Why Choose Us for Pediatric Orthopaedics?
- Designed as a baby-friendly hospital according to WHO guidelines
- Internationally renowned pediatric orthopaedic specialists
- State-of-the-art Level III NICU
- Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
At our Department of Orthopaedics, we merge our expertise in child care with bone and joint health to deliver exceptional care for infants, children, and young adults. Our facility adheres to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for baby-friendly hospitals, and we offer 24/7 critical care services for neonates and premature babies with special needs at our Level III NICU. Our team of orthopaedists is dedicated to providing comprehensive treatments for your child’s musculoskeletal issues in a safe and nurturing environment.
