Paediatric Orthopedic

Common Orthopedics conditions that affect children

• Pigeon Toes: The condition is also known as in-toeing and is marked by the inward alignment of the child’s feet. This typically happens when your infant starts standing i.e. by the age of 8 to 15 months. The condition does not require any surgical intervention and can be effectively treated with the help of braces and special shoes.
• Flat Feet: It is a very common problem that babies are born with and as time passes, some may develop an arch. For those who don’t, the condition might prove to be quite painful, calling for the need for proper medical intervention
• Limb Deformities: These do not generally have a known cause and may be associated with genetic abnormalities, growth restrictions and viral exposure. Some common limb deformities in kids include Blount disease, idiopathic genu valgum, femoral deficiency, tibial deficiency and idiopathic discrepancies in limb length
• Fractures: It refers to a crack or break in the bone, caused by a severe trauma or impact due to an accident, fall or sports injury. The most common fractures seen in kids include femur fractures, elbow fractures, forearm fractures and wrist fractures
• Sports-Related Injuries:  These are very common and account for around one-third of all injuries sustained by kids. It refers to any injury that your little one incurs while playing on the field or indulging in a sport. Common sports injuries seen in kids include sprains, meniscal tears, knee injuries and ACL tears
• Spine Conditions: Spine-related conditions and deformities in kids are usually congenital and a result of developmental abnormalities. The most common of these are scoliosis, spondylosis, kyphosis and spina bifida
• Hip-Related Problems: These are very common and can be of various different types. These are generally characterized by pain and evident disparities. Hip related problems that are very common in kids, include developmental dysplasia of the hip, femoroacetabular impingement and slipped capital femoral epiphysis
• Neuromuscular Conditions: These are typically linked with genetic defects that are inherited. In some cases, these may be caused by an underlying medical condition. These include congenital muscular dystrophy, congenital myopathies, myotonic dystrophy and neuromuscular junction disorders
• Malignant/Benign Growths: These include benign masses like bone cysts and osteochondroma, and cancerous growths like osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma. While some of these are harmless and asymptomatic, the latter can lead to potentially serious complications and need intensive treatment

When should you consider seeing our experts?

A consultation with a pediatric Orthopedic surgeon may be required for a variety of reasons. These are some examples:

• Prolonged Pain or Discomfort: If a child has prolonged pain or discomfort in the joints, limbs, or spine, it is best to contact a pediatric Orthopedic surgeon to determine the underlying reason and devise an appropriate treatment plan.
• Children with limb length disparities, limb deformities, or aberrant spinal curvature should be assessed by our pediatric Orthopedic surgeon to determine the best treatment strategy.
• Developmental Abnormalities: If a child has delayed motor milestones or other developmental abnormalities involving the musculoskeletal system, a visit with a pediatric Orthopedic surgeon may be required for diagnosis and treatment.
• Fractures, dislocations, and other traumatic injuries to the bones or joints should be checked by our pediatric Orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible to ensure adequate alignment, stability, and healing.

How Orthopedics problems are diagnosed in children?

Our experts usually start by conducting a thorough physical examination and assessing the child’s medical records. Based on the specific symptoms, a variety of diagnostic tests may be recommended. These include:

• Imaging modalities like X-rays, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to assess various internal structures and look out for any signs of abnormality. 
• Arthroscopy, which offers a minimally invasive approach to assessing the joints. In some cases, doctors may even address and treat the problem alongside. 

Treatments

Our Orthopedic Unit, at Surya Hospital offers a comprehensive range of treatments and interventions for children with musculoskeletal disorders. These are some examples:

• Non-Operative Management: To manage diverse Orthopedic disorders, promote healing, and enhance functional outcomes, we offer conservative treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, casting, and orthotic devices.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: We use cutting-edge minimally invasive procedures like Arthroscopy which is used to diagnose and treat Orthopedic disorders. These procedures result in smaller incisions, lessOrthopscarring, and quicker recovery times.
• Corrective Procedures are performed by our team to fix limb deformities, spinal anomalies, and other musculoskeletal disorders. To restore normal alignment and function, these surgeries may include osteotomies, realignment treatments, or lengthening procedures.
• Fracture Fixation: For fractures that require stabilization, we offer surgical procedures such as the use of pins, screws, plates, or intramedullary rods to promote correct healing and prevent complications.
• Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: We collaborate closely with our rehabilitation staff to create tailored rehabilitation and physical therapy programs aimed at regaining mobility, increasing strength, and improving general function.