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Why us for paediatric orthopaedics?
At the Department of Orthopaedics, we combine our forte in childcare and bone and joint health to offer best-in-class care to infants, children and young adults. Our state-of-the-art facility is designed according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines of a baby-friendly hospital. We offer 24/7 critical care services to neonates and premature babies with special needs at our Level III NICU. Our team of orthopaedists are skilled to offer comprehensive treatments for your child’s musculoskeletal problems in a safe and comfortable environment.
Our paediatric orthopaedic specialists
About paediatric orthopaedics
Paediatric orthopaedics is the branch of science that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of orthopaedic problems in children. This subspeciality is concerned with a wide range of conditions associated with children’s joints, muscles, bones.
Your paediatric orthopaedist offers all-inclusive care whether the condition is present from the newborn stage, developmental or acquired over the years.
Fractures – A fracture, also known as a broken bone, is a tear or crack that occurs in a bone. Young children are more prone to fractures due to risk factors including bone size, mineral bone content, increased physical activity and movement.
Club foot – Club foot is a congenital (by birth) foot deformity in children. A club foot is a condition in which your baby’s foot is twisted or out of shape. Clubfoot is a highly common condition in babies that is caused due to the short length of tendons.
Flat feet – Flat feet is a common and generally painless condition in which the arches (the curves on the inside of the foot) do not develop in childhood. Due to flat feet, the child’s entire soles touch the ground when they stand up.
Bowed legs – Bowed legs are common among toddlers. In this condition, there is a distinct space between a child’s toddlers and legs. When the child stands up, the legs appear curved outside.
Juvenile arthritis – Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of joints. While it is more prone in older people, children can also develop arthritis described as juvenile arthritis. It is characterised by persistent pain, swelling and stiffness in joints.
Developmental problems – Developmental problems, also known as developmental delays, are progressive disabilities or growth defects in children. Genetic disorders, premature birth, and malnutrition are some factors that can lead to developmental problems in children.
Metabolic bone disorders – Metabolic bone disorders include complex and rare bone conditions such as rickets, brittle bone disease, vitamin D disorders and bone mass disorders.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) – Hip dysplasia in children is a condition in which the hip sockets and joints are formed differently. It is mostly a congenital condition that usually begins before the baby is born.
Cerebral palsy – Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a child’s movement, posture and muscle tone. This condition can cause impaired movement, abnormal posture and difficulty in walking. Cerebral palsy usually develops during infancy or early childhood.
Scoliosis – Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that starts during the puberty years. It is a condition that causes sideways spinal curvature in young adults and can be even disabling if not treated timely.
Since children are unable to express their symptoms and conditions, they require the unique and specialised care of a paediatric orthopaedist.
Most of the times, the orthopaedic conditions in children and their effects are visible. However, your healthcare provider will order a range of tests and procedures to determine the condition and examine it. These tests range from manual evaluation, X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, lab tests, reflexes and sensory tests and functional movement tests among others.
The treatment protocol for your child’s musculoskeletal condition will depend on various factors such as their medical history, the severity of symptoms, their overall health and the kind of condition they are suffering from.
Common treatment alternatives include:
- Active surveillance
- Medicinal interventional
- Non-invasive procedures such as splinting, casting, bracing and orthotics
- Surgery and other invasive procedures such as deformity correction
- Physiotherapy
Sometimes a combination of more than one treatments may be used to offer comprehensive and effective care for your child’s recovery.
Advice for parents
Orthopaedic conditions in children are not uncommon. However, it can be overwhelming for parents and caregivers to see their children suffering from such conditions. It is important to give your children the right kind of care and support they need during their treatment journey. It is advised that parents and guardians should undergo counselling sessions to gain awareness in order to give the appropriate form of care. You should not be hesitant to ask your concerns or doubts to your child’s healthcare provider. Paediatric orthopaedists are well-trained experts who are skilled to offer you relevant information and guidance while also clearing your anxieties and fears about your child’s treatments.
Patient Testimonials
FAQs
Common orthopaedic conditions in children include fractures, club foot, flat feet, bowed legs and hip dysplasia.
Some orthopaedic problems such as fractures, bone infections and joint problems can be prevented with an active lifestyle and healthy diet.
Parents should stay informed about their child’s condition, offer their support and address the child’s fears about the condition.
Some common tests include X-rays, CT scans, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, reflex and sensory tests and strength test.