Orthopaedic problems in children are common. They can be congenital, developmental or acquired, including those of infectious, neuromuscular, nutritional, neoplastic and psychogenic origin.
Some of the more common disorders include those of the areas below.
- Club Foot- (also known as Congenital Talipes Equino Varus) is one of the most common congenital foot deformities in which foot is turned inwards and downwards mimicking a golf club.
- Polydactyly- this is the common deformity of the foot and can vary from minor degrees of soft tissue duplication to major skeletal abnormalities. The most common abnormality is an extra fifth toe. Surgical removal is the usual treatment. A check should be made for other deformities.
- Syndactyly (web toes) - usually needs no treatment but check for other deformities.
- Bowing of legs and knocking of knees- are commonly seen developmental issues in toddlers. They can also be seen in teenagers. In bowing, both the knees go apart and feet come close whereas in knock knees both the knees touch each other and feet go apart. These are variations of the normal biomechanics of the body but if persist Or deformity hammering life activities, may require surgical correction
- Developmental dysplasia of hip- is a condition in which part of the hip joint (ball and socket joint) is dysplastic or abnormal. It is usually the socket or acetabulum part of hip joint which is usually not deep or curved enough (flat) to keep the ball (head of femur/thigh bone) concentrically reduced. Depending upon the severity, the ball can be either partially or completely out of the socket. It should be reduced either close Or surgically
- Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis- this is commonly due to Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment is usually emergency aspiration, arthroscopy, drainage and debridement with antibiotic cover.
All the conditions can be treated successfully if it is diagnosed and consulted early as the child has very good remodelling capacity.
