Pediatric orthopaedics is the specialty that treats acquired or genetic-related bone defects and diseases that develop during gestation.
Children who are born with congenital bone diseases can use the help of a pediatric specialist.
Musculoskeletal and developmental disorders can also benefit from the expertise of pediatric orthopaedics specialist.
While some conditions correct themselves without treatment, other cases can become severe when not given the proper medical attention.
Enumerated below are some of the most common pediatric orthopaedic disorders:
Legs
Internal femoral torsion
This condition is considered one of the most common cause of in-toeing in children that are aged 2 years old and above.
Fortunately, the condition can be treated by correcting an abnormal sitting position.
Genu valgum (knock-kneed)
This condition is usually benign and will often correct itself when the child turns 8 years of age.
However, if the condition will still persist until the child turns 10, surgery might be required.
Genu varum (bow-legged)
This condition is often the result of a posterior hip capsule that is tightened.
When it does not get resolved when the child turns 2, osteotomy might be necessary.
Internal tibial torsion
This condition is considered the most common cause of in-toeing in children 2 years old and below.
Fortunately, once the child starts walking, the condition will resolve itself.
Toes
Hammer toe
Typically, this condition affects the second toe.
When it becomes painful, surgery might be recommended.
Ingrowing toenail
This condition occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the soft tissue surrounding it.
Depending on the severity, the condition can be managed through noninvasive treatments (warm soaks and antibiotics) to surgery.
Polydactyly
This condition is considered very common.
Severity can range from minor soft tissue duplication to severe skeletal abnormalities.
In most cases, the likely treatment recourse for polydactyly is surgical removal.
Curly toes
This condition often affects the fourth and the fifth toes.
Inherited in most cases, this condition does not often manifest any symptoms.
Fortunately, as much as 25 to 50 percent of curly toe cases get resolved by the time the child turns 3 or 4 years of age.
Otherwise, surgery will be necessary.
Hip
Developmental dysplasia
This spectrum of disorders often affects the acetabulum, proximal femur, and the hips.
Early treatment and detection helps prevent long-term morbidity.
Septic arthritis
This condition is often the result of Staphylococcus aureus.
Treatment alternatives can include drainage, emergency aspiration, arthroscopy, and debridement (with antibiotic cover).
Transient monoarticular synovitis
This condition is considered one of the most common causes of limping.
It also often develops right after a respiratory infection.
Treatment alternatives can include rest, physiotherapy, and NSAIDs.
Perthes’ disease
This condition is often characterized by the femoral head’s idiopathic avascular necrosis.
Treatment interventions will usually include analgesia, bed rest, and bracing.
Surgery to redirect the head of the femoral ball (femoral varus osteotomy) will be required in some cases.
Foot
Planovalgus deformity
This condition is usually associated with cerebral palsy.
In ambulatory children with mild to moderate deformities, calcaneal lengthening is often the treatment recourse.
In non-ambulatory children with deformity that is severe, surgery might not be of any help and relapse rate is high.
Pes cavus
This condition is associated with a high arc that does not flatten even with weight-bearing.
Treatment alternatives can include physical therapy, surgery, and orthotics.
The treatment option chosen will depend on the severity of the condition.
Talipes equinovarus
Different abnormalities of the tibia, fibula and the bones located in the foot form a composite disorder called club foot.
Treatment option can include manipulation, splinting, casting, and surgery.
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