Orthopedic Services

Specialised Orthopaedic Care for Children and Adolescents

Children's bones, joints, muscles, and growth plates are different from those of adults and continue to develop throughout childhood. Orthopaedic conditions in children may be present from birth, develop as the child grows, or occur due to injuries, infections, or other medical conditions.

At K & K Super Speciality Hospital, Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery focuses on the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents. Our approach begins with understanding the child's symptoms, physical development, medical history, and specific orthopaedic condition.

Depending on the diagnosis and severity, treatment may involve observation, physiotherapy, medicines, braces or casts, activity modification, or surgery when required.

Conditions Treated in Paediatric Orthopaedics

Paediatric orthopaedic care may include the assessment and treatment of a wide range of conditions, including:

Congenital Orthopaedic Conditions

Some children are born with conditions affecting the development or alignment of their bones and joints. Early assessment can help identify these problems and determine whether treatment is required.

Developmental Hip Conditions

Problems affecting the development or stability of the hip may occur during infancy or childhood. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help support normal hip development.

Clubfoot

Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is turned inward or downward. Treatment depends on the child's age, severity of the condition, and response to initial treatment.

Bow Legs and Knock Knees

Changes in leg alignment are common during childhood, and some are part of normal growth. However, persistent, severe, or asymmetric alignment may require evaluation by a paediatric orthopaedic specialist.

Limb Length and Alignment Problems

Differences in limb length or abnormalities in the alignment of the legs can affect walking, posture, and physical activity. Assessment helps determine the cause and appropriate management.

Children's Fractures and Injuries

Children may experience fractures and other injuries during sports, play, falls, or accidents. Because children's bones are still growing, fractures involving growth plates require careful assessment and treatment.

Sports and Activity-Related Injuries

Young athletes may develop injuries involving bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, or growth plates. Appropriate diagnosis and rehabilitation can help support a safe return to activities.

Musculoskeletal Infections and Other Conditions

Certain infections and other medical conditions can affect a child's bones, joints, or muscles. Persistent pain, swelling, fever, or difficulty using a limb should be medically evaluated.

Common Signs That May Require Orthopaedic Evaluation

Children may not always be able to clearly describe pain or discomfort. Parents and caregivers should pay attention to changes in movement, posture, or physical activity.

Possible signs include:

• Persistent pain in the bones, joints, or limbs
• Limping or changes in walking
• Difficulty running or participating in normal activities
• Swelling around a joint
• Abnormal posture or limb alignment
• One leg appearing shorter than the other
• Limited joint movement
• Recurrent injuries
• Difficulty putting weight on a limb
• Visible deformity following an injury
• Delayed or unusual motor development

A specialist evaluation can help determine whether the problem is part of normal growth or requires further treatment.

Diagnosis of Paediatric Orthopaedic Conditions

An accurate diagnosis is important because children's bones and joints change as they grow. During the consultation, the specialist may assess the child's:

• Medical and birth history
• Growth and physical development
• Walking pattern and posture
• Joint movement
• Limb alignment
• Muscle strength
• Previous injuries or treatments
• Family and relevant medical history

Depending on the condition, diagnostic investigations may include:

• Digital X-rays
• Ultrasound
• MRI scans
• CT scans when clinically required
• Other laboratory or imaging investigations where appropriate

The child's age, growth stage, symptoms, and clinical findings are considered when planning treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Not every paediatric orthopaedic condition requires surgery. Depending on the child's diagnosis, treatment may initially include:

• Observation and regular monitoring
• Physiotherapy
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Braces or orthopaedic supports
• Casting
• Activity modification
• Medication when appropriate
• Guidance for parents and caregivers

Some childhood orthopaedic conditions can improve naturally with growth, while others require early intervention to prevent progression.

When Is Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Recommended?

Surgery may be considered when a condition is severe, does not respond adequately to non-surgical treatment, affects normal function, or requires correction to support healthy growth and development.

Surgical treatment may be considered for:

• Certain congenital deformities
• Significant limb alignment problems
• Selected hip conditions
• Complex or displaced fractures
• Growth plate injuries
• Persistent musculoskeletal problems
• Certain sports-related injuries
• Conditions requiring correction or stabilisation

The decision to operate is made after a detailed evaluation and discussion with the child's parents or caregivers.

Types of Paediatric Orthopaedic Procedures

Depending on the condition, age, and stage of growth, surgical treatment may include:

Fracture Fixation

Certain fractures may require surgical alignment and stabilisation using appropriate fixation methods to help the bone heal correctly.

Deformity Correction

Some significant bone or limb deformities may require procedures to improve alignment and function.

Growth Plate-Related Procedures

In selected cases, injuries or abnormalities involving growth plates may require specialised treatment to reduce the risk of future growth or alignment problems.

Hip Procedures

Certain developmental or structural hip conditions may require surgical correction when non-surgical treatment is not sufficient.

Foot and Ankle Procedures

Some structural abnormalities of the foot or ankle may require surgical correction when they significantly affect walking, function, or development.

The specific procedure depends on the child's condition and is planned according to their individual anatomy and stage of growth.

Preparing Your Child for Surgery

When surgery is recommended, parents and caregivers receive information about the procedure, preparation, expected recovery, and follow-up care.

Pre-operative preparation may include:

• Medical evaluation
• Physical examination
• Required imaging and investigations
• Anaesthesia assessment
• Review of medications and allergies
• Instructions regarding food and medicines before surgery
• Discussion of post-operative care

Parents should inform the medical team about any existing medical conditions, previous surgeries, allergies, and medications the child is taking.

Recovery After Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery

Recovery varies according to the type of procedure, the child's age, the condition being treated, and overall health.

Post-operative care may include:

• Pain management
• Wound care
• Cast or brace care when required
• Gradual return to movement
• Physiotherapy
• Activity restrictions
• Follow-up examinations
• Monitoring of bone healing and development

Parents should follow the specialist's instructions regarding weight-bearing, physical activity, exercises, and follow-up appointments.

Importance of Early Orthopaedic Care in Children

Early evaluation can be important for conditions that may affect bone growth, joint development, limb alignment, or movement.

Identifying a problem at an appropriate stage may allow treatment to begin before the condition causes greater functional difficulties. In some cases, early non-surgical treatment may help avoid more complex intervention later.

Parents should not ignore persistent pain, repeated limping, abnormal walking patterns, or noticeable changes in limb alignment.

Supporting Healthy Bone and Joint Development

Parents can support their child's musculoskeletal health by encouraging:

• Regular age-appropriate physical activity
• Safe participation in sports
• A balanced diet
• Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake as recommended by a healthcare professional
• Appropriate footwear
• Safe play environments
• Early medical assessment when unusual symptoms occur

Children participating in organised sports should also be encouraged to use appropriate protective equipment and follow safe training practices.

When Should Your Child See a Paediatric Orthopaedic Specialist?

Consider an orthopaedic evaluation if your child has:

• Persistent bone or joint pain
• Repeated limping
• Difficulty walking or running
• Persistent bow legs or knock knees
• Abnormal foot position
• Unequal leg length
• Recurrent fractures or injuries
• Joint swelling or restricted movement
• A suspected fracture or dislocation
• A congenital or developmental orthopaedic condition
• Difficulty returning to normal activity after an injury

Following a significant injury, severe pain, visible deformity, or inability to use or bear weight on a limb, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

Paediatric Orthopaedic Care at K & K Super Speciality Hospital

At K & K Super Speciality Hospital, Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery focuses on providing appropriate evaluation and treatment for orthopaedic conditions affecting growing children and adolescents.

We recognise that children require care that considers their age, physical development, growth potential, activity level, and individual needs. Treatment is planned according to the specific condition, with non-surgical management considered wherever appropriate and surgery recommended when clinically necessary.

From diagnosis and treatment planning to rehabilitation and follow-up, our goal is to support children's mobility, function, and healthy musculoskeletal development.

Give Your Child the Right Orthopaedic Care

If your child is experiencing persistent pain, difficulty walking, abnormal limb alignment, or an orthopaedic condition, a specialist evaluation can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

Book a Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery consultation at K & K Super Speciality Hospital.