Know About the Major Orthopaedic Problems Common Among Children

Orthopaedic problems in children can get treated in a variety of ways. Early intervention results in a better outcome and a child who is free of disabilities.

Congenital disabilities, also known as congenital anomalies, can be caused by genetic, infectious, nutritional, or environmental factors; however, determining the exact cause is complex.

Although doctors can detect these defects before birth, they need to provide the necessary treatment at delivery. We have put this essay together with the guidance of Dr.Ratnav Ratan, An excellent Pediatric Orthopedic Doctor from Delhi, to help you understand your child’s orthopaedic condition.  

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 6 to 7 out of every 100 babies born in India each year have a congenital disability.

This rate amounts to around 17 lakhs congenital disabilities each year, accounting for 9.6% of all congenital disabilities. Early childhood developmental disorders are common, affecting at least 10% of children.

If not addressed promptly, these can result in permanent disabilities. Early detection and management of deformities in children add value to their quality of life by preventing these conditions from progressing to their more severe and debilitating forms.

Many pediatric orthopaedic conditions necessitate surgical intervention to change a child’s life and improve growth and development. The following are a few of these conditions:

Clubfoot

It’s a condition in which the foot points inward and downward. The disease affects the foot and lower leg and is present at birth. In India, clubfoot affects 1-2 out of every 1000 live births. About half of these are bilateral, meaning they affect both feet, and 5% are ‘complex.’ 

Other congenital abnormalities, such as neural tube defects, arthrogryposis (a condition characterized by joint stiffness), chromosomal disorders, and urogenital abnormalities, are more frequently associated with these cases. The ratio of males to females is 3:1.

The treatment consists of a series of corrective plasters that must get applied as soon as possible. A minor operation is performed on the back of the child’s foot, followed by wearing a particular shoe with a bar. The long-term goal is to achieve a pain-free, functional plantigrade foot.

Is there any danger in using this technique?

If the critical steps get meticulously followed, the technique is safe. Plaster sores can occur in babies with sensitive skin or when the stiff foot gets overcorrected. Antibiotics and removing the cast for a week or so are all that is required to treat it.

Failure to follow the Ponseti technique’s critical steps can result in a rocker bottom foot (midfoot break) or an iatrogenic complex clubfoot.

Bleeding can occur after the heel-cord-cutting procedure, but it is usually minor.

Congenital Hip Dislocation/DDH Treatment

This condition happens when the hip joint does not develop properly. The abnormal formation of the hip joint during the early stages of fetal development causes this condition.

Hip instability affects one out of every six newborns, and two to three out of every 1,000 infants will require treatment. For effective treatment and management, early detection and treatment are critical.

Symptoms of a Congenital Hip Dislocation

The child will usually show no signs of a dislocated hip. A parent, on the other hand, can keep an eye out for the following visible signs:

• Limping

• On toes walking

• Waddling is a walking style.
• Legs of various lengths
• On the one hand, there is less mobility and flexibility; on the other hand, there is more mobility and flexibility.
• Skinfold on the thigh that isn’t even

In addition, the parents can seek help from a paediatrician or a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon for an accurate diagnosis.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a condition that results from brain damage and manifests as a loss or impairment of motor function. Muscle control, muscle tone, muscle coordination, body movement, posture, reflex, and balance are all affected by Cerebral Palsy. 

Further, Fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and oral motor functioning can all be affected. The child’s development and growth milestones will most likely get delayed.

Cerebral palsy affects about 2-3 children out of 1,000; studies have found rates as low as 2.3 per 1,000 children and as high as 3.6 per 1,000 children.

There is currently no cure for the condition, but there are treatments that can help. A team of healthcare professionals looks after children with this condition, and they can collaborate with parents to develop a treatment plan.

Pediatric orthopaedic surgery, which involves correcting orthopaedic conditions in children, is highly effective but also costly. It is expensive because deformities are frequently complex, necessitating multiple surgeries to achieve complete correction. 

In addition, the surgical appliances are high-end and expensive. Furthermore, to achieve the best possible results, each child must undergo physical therapy or orthotics rehabilitation, which places an additional financial burden on the parents.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Parents of children with cerebral palsy are curious about the underlying issues that cause the condition. Remember that each child with cerebral palsy has a unique set of symptoms. However, the following are some of the more common causes of cerebral palsy:

• There is a lack of blood flow to the brain.

• Injuries to the head

• Injuries to the brain

• Meningitis and encephalitis are examples of infections.

Parents looking for treatment for their children’s bone deformities should look for a bone and joint centre with a systematic approach.

It includes deformity screening, early growth, developmental disorders, advanced technology, multidisciplinary teamwork, and skilled and qualified pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. It will ensure that the child receives the best possible care and treatment.

And, that’s all for today! Make sure to share it with your friends and family if you find the article helpful. Take care; celebrate life.