Common Pediatric Orthopedic Conditions and Their Treatments
Pediatric orthopedics is the specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skeletal and muscular systems in children. Unlike adults, children’s bones, joints, and muscles are still growing, which puts orthopedic care for children on a very different plane from adults’ care. Early identification and appropriate treatment are essential for ensuring normal growth and preventing long-term complications.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common conditions related to pediatric orthopedics and their treatment. At the end, we shall address how Orange Healthcare in Wakad, Pune provides expert care in this domain.
- Congenital Clubfoot
What is it?
Congenital clubfoot is a deformity in which the whole foot or parts of the foot are twisted inward and downward. It is a result of abnormal development in the muscles, tendons, or bones of the foot.
Causes
The exact cause is not known. Genetic and environmental factors have been implicated.
Symptoms
- Foot twisted or irregular at birth
- Inability to place the sole flat on the ground
Treatment
- Ponseti Method: It is a non-surgical procedure wherein gentle manipulation and casting of the foot are performed.
- Surgery: In the most extreme cases, it is performed to correct the deformity.
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
What is it?
It is the improper development of the hip joint where the ball of the thighbone does not fit correctly into the hip socket.
Causes
- Family history of hip dysplasia
- Breech births
- Tight swaddling during infancy
Symptoms
- Uneven leg lengths
- Restricted motion at the hip.
- Clicking sound during hip movement.
Treatment
- Pavlik Harness: Soft brace that orients the hip to be aligned appropriately.
- Closed or Open Reduction Surgery: For older children or when the condition is severe and not responding to the harness.
- Scoliosis
What is it?
It is a lateral curvature of the spine that usually occurs in youngsters in the growth spurt leading to puberty.
Causes
- Idiopathic (cause unknown).
- Congenital abnormalities of the spine.
- Neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy.
Symptoms
- Uneven shoulders or waist.
- One hip seems higher than the other.
- Visible curvature of the spine.
Treatment
- Observation: Mild cases where the curve is less than 20 degrees.
- Bracing: Reduces further progression of the curve in moderate cases.
- Surgery: Does spinal fusion in severe cases to adjust the curvature.
- Pediatric Fractures
What are they?
Fractures are broken bones, which are rife among children because of their high activity levels. However, children’s bones have properties that need different treatment.
Types of Pediatric Fractures
- Greenstick Fractures: These are incomplete fractures whereby the bone just bends.
- Growth Plate Fractures: These are fractures occurring in the developing parts of a child’s bone.
- Torus Fractures: This simply indicates a collapse of the bone without a complete shattering.
Treatment
- Casting or Splinting: minor fractures.
- Surgical treatment: Complex or displaced fractures.
- Cerebral Palsy (Orthopedic Implications)
What is it?
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect muscles and movement due to some brain damage at the time of development.
Orthopedic Complications
- Muscle contractures
- Joint deformities
- Hip dislocation.
Treatment
- Physiotherapy: Increases agility and muscular strength.
- Orthopedic Surgery: Corrects deformities and postures, also aligns the joint.
- Orthotics: It is devised devices such as orthopedic support or bracing of posture or ambulation.
- Flat Feet
What is it?
It is a situation of an underdeveloped arch of the foot, causing all the bottom surfaces of the foot to hit the ground.
Symptoms
- Pain in the arch or heel
- Walking or running is painful.
Treatment
- Supportive Shoes or Insoles: Arch supports.
- Stretching Exercises: Relieves pain and increases the flexibility of the foot.
- Surgery: It is usually not used unless it’s a serious condition.
- Knock Knees and Bowlegs
What are they?
- Knock Knees: A medical condition whereby the knees touch, but the ankles do not.
- Bowlegs: The opposite condition whereby the knees do not touch, yet the ankles touch.
Causes
- Normal developmental variations in very young children
- Vitamin D deficiency (rickets).
Treatment
- Observation: The majority of the cases settle on their own with age.
- Bracing or Physical Therapy: For persistent cases.
- Surgery: Usually only necessary for significant deformities.
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease)
What is it?
A genetic disorder causes fragile bones that break easily.
Symptoms
- Fractures often.
- Blue sclera (a bluish color in the whites of the eyes).
- Short stature.
Treatment
- Medication: Bisphosphonates to strengthen bones.
- Physical Therapy: Increases muscle strength and minimizes the likelihood of fracture.
- Surgical Procedures: Insertion of rods into bones for stabilization.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Pediatric orthopedic conditions, if left untreated, lead to chronic pain, impaired mobility, and deformities that persist into adulthood. Timely diagnosis and intervention ensure better outcomes, allowing children to lead active, pain-free lives.
Why Orange Healthcare in Wakad, Pune?
Orange Healthcare is a one-stop destination for pediatric orthopedic conditions. Led by some of the most experienced specialists, the clinic provides:
- Accurate diagnosis with state-of-the-art imaging.
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each child’s needs.
- Expertise in surgical and non-surgical treatments.
- Compassionate approach that makes the young feel comfortable and well-tended.
For your child’s needs, whether complicated surgical interventions or simple visits and treatments, Orange Healthcare is here to ensure that he or she is made well and mobile once again.
Summary
Pediatric orthopedic conditions are diverse, but with the right care, most children recover completely and have normal growth and development. Understanding these conditions and their treatments can help parents make informed decisions for their children.
If you’re seeking expert pediatric orthopedic care, visit Orange Healthcare in Wakad, Pune, where your child’s mobility and comfort are the top priorities. With a team of skilled professionals and cutting-edge treatment options, they ensure your child’s path to a healthy future.
