What Do You Need to Know About Pediatric Orthopedic Problems?

We must have heard that orthopedic problems often affect the elderly. In most cases, the age factor plays a major role. Some orthopedic conditions are so severe that surgical intervention is required for the treatment. In several cases, Ortho Surgical Implants are also required. Well, it won’t be wrong to say that orthopedic problems not only affect the elderly but they can also affect young people and children. In this post, we will be talking about some of the common orthopedic problems that can affect kids. 

Pediatric Orthopedic Problems

Clubfoot

Also known as Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV), clubfoot is a common orthopedic condition that results in the twisting of the lower leg, ankle, and foot inward. This condition affects children from the early stages of pregnancy. Researchers have given many theories regarding why clubfoot occurs, but the exact cause of the condition is still unknown. It affects boys more than girls. It may affect one or both feet at a time. In some cases, the condition may be associated with hip or spine problems. 

Perthes’ Disease

Also known as osteochondritis of the hip, Perthes’ disease is a rare condition that affects the hip joint in children. The age group between 3 and 11 years is more prone to developing this condition. This condition is characterized by the disruption of blood supply to the femoral head. It results in bone deterioration. Perthes’ disease causes limping and restricted movement of the hip joint. 

Flat Feet

Flat feet are not a matter of concern until they start affecting routine life. Arches in the feet are common and most kids develop them during or after infancy. However, in some, they don’t. Flat feet do not cause any problems while walking, running, or playing sports. Well, if the condition becomes painful, the healthcare service provider will recommend using arch support in footwear. 

In-Toe Walking

In-toe walking is a condition where children walk with their feet pointing inwards. There could be multiple causes of the condition including:

• Femoral anteversion

• Internal tibial torsion

• Metatarsus adducts 

Knock Knees

Knock knees is a condition in which the knees of the children point towards each other. This condition may commonly be noticed in children between 3 and 6 years of age. Well, the condition does not require any treatment as it tends to correct itself as the child grows.  

In some cases, the condition may not improve on its own. In such cases, the children experience pain and difficulty in walking or running. The treatment of the condition in such cases may require surgery. 

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

Developmental dysplasia of the hip is a condition in which the ball and socket joint of the hip does not develop properly. As a result, it may sometimes cause congenital dislocation of the hip. The condition may affect either before birth or during 1st month after. Hip dislocation may be complete or partial. The healthcare service provider checks the hips of the infant during the early months after birth to notice signs of dislocation. If not fixed timely, the condition can cause pain, and osteoarthritis may also develop in adult life.

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