Question 1

What conditions does a paediatric orthopaedic specialist treat?

Accepted Answer

Paediatric orthopaedic specialists treat bone, joint and muscle conditions unique to growing children, including congenital deformities like clubfoot and hip dysplasia, growth plate injuries, scoliosis, limb length differences, fractures, and conditions like Perthes disease affecting the hip. Because children's bones are still growing, these specialists use different techniques than adult orthopaedic surgeons, often focusing on treatments that work with the child's remaining growth potential rather than simply replicating adult approaches.

Question 2

When should a child see a paediatric orthopaedic specialist?

Accepted Answer

See a paediatric orthopaedic specialist if your child has a limp lasting more than a few days, persistent joint or bone pain, an obvious limb deformity or asymmetry, a fracture, or curvature of the spine noticed during a school screening or by a parent. Delayed walking milestones or unusual gait patterns are also reasons for evaluation. Many conditions are easier to treat successfully when caught early, so it's better to have a concern checked than to wait and see.

Question 3

How are growth plate injuries in children treated?

Accepted Answer

Growth plate injuries need careful evaluation, since the growth plate is the area of developing cartilage that determines a bone's future length and shape, and injury here can potentially affect growth if not treated correctly. Treatment ranges from casting or splinting for stable fractures to surgical fixation for more severe or displaced injuries, always aiming to protect the growth plate's function. Follow-up X-rays over months to years are often needed to confirm that growth is proceeding normally after the injury has healed.

Question 4

Can scoliosis in children be treated without surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many cases of scoliosis, especially when caught early and the curve is mild to moderate, can be managed without surgery through observation with regular monitoring, or bracing to prevent the curve from worsening while the child is still growing. Physical therapy focused on specific scoliosis exercises may also be recommended. Surgery is generally reserved for severe curves, curves that continue to progress despite bracing, or those affecting breathing or causing significant pain. Early diagnosis significantly increases the chance of successful non-surgical management.

Question 5

What emergency orthopaedic symptoms in children need immediate care?

Accepted Answer

Seek immediate care if your child has a visibly deformed limb, cannot bear weight or move a limb at all, has severe pain with swelling, numbness or a pale, cold limb below an injury, or an open fracture where bone is visible through the skin. These signs can indicate a fracture with nerve or blood vessel involvement, which needs urgent treatment to prevent lasting damage. Don't wait to see if the symptoms improve; go to an emergency department promptly.

Paediatric Orthopaedics