Common Ortho Issues in Children and Treatment

When we talk about Orthopaedic issues, we usually associate them with elderly people or those in their middle age. However, the reality is that children too are quite likely to develop such problem either due to some congenital defect or owing to some injury sustained in an accident. Such issues led to the rise of paediatric orthopaedics in India. This also led to the growth of a vast number of hospitals for Paediatric Orthopaedics in India. Orthopaedic spine specialists have to work differently in case of children and adults and this is this the reason why you need to take your child to a Paediatric Orthopaedic surgeon only. Orthopaedic spine surgeons in India are highly trained and experienced in their job and have attracted many foreign patients as well. Paediatric orthopaedics surgery cost is comparatively cheaper than that of adults.

And just like adults, children too need proper medical help in such cases. Since the children themselves are not usually able to determine the problem, it is the responsibility of the parents to keep an eye for any symptom that might be an indication of a chronic Orthopaedic problem. Most of the ortho related issues in children are those related to the spine and are a result of spinal deformity that occurred at the time of development in the mother's womb or an injury or blows to the spine suffered in early childhood or during infancy.

Musculoskeletal problems in infants and children are quite different from adults as their bones are still growing and an as such their response to injuries, infections and deformities is very different from that in case of adults. We often mistake normal variation in growth with a serious Orthopaedic problem only to realise later that there is nothing to worry about and the problem resolves on its own, with time. For instance one of the most common types of problem that affects infants is intoeing. Although most of the Orthopaedic problems in children are same as that in adults however there are still problems that only affect the children and are not found in adults. 

Some of the most common musculoskeletal problems that are very prevalent in children include the following: 

• Deformities in the limb and spine acquired at the time of birth or later in life. These include clubfoot, scoliosis and difference in the length of limbs.
• Gait abnormalities or limping
• Broken bones
• Bone or joint infections and tumours

It is very easy for adults to discuss their problem with the doctor but it is not the same for children as they are not able to express themselves in a proper way. Hence it is very important for the parents to watch out for their children and their bone health. Paediatric Orthopaedic surgeons not only know how to treat all the Orthopaedic problems related to children but also are highly trained to handle the child without most care making them feel at ease during the procedure. Most of the paediatric Orthopaedic surgeons also decorate their clinics with toys and other stuff that helps to maintain a happy atmosphere for the child. Even after the treatment, it is very important for the parents to ensure that the child is following all the guidelines set by the doctor. Proper care should be taken with respect to the child's diet and nutrition ensuring proper intake of calcium that is very important for bone health.