Pediatric Orthopedics

Overview:

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a baby is born with one or both feet twisted inward and downward. The tendons and muscles are shorter or tighter than normal, causing the abnormal position. It is not painful at birth, but if left untreated, it can lead to long-term mobility issues. Clubfoot is common and highly treatable, especially when care begins shortly after birth.

Overview:

A congenital hand deformity is a structural abnormality of the hand or fingers that is present at birth. These deformities occur during fetal development and can affect bones, joints, muscles, tendons, or skin. Causes may include genetic factors, syndromes, or unknown disruptions during limb formation in the womb. These conditions can affect hand function, appearance, and development.

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Congenital limb deficiencies are conditions in which a baby is born with a missing or underdeveloped arm, leg, hand, or foot. These differences can range from partial absence of a limb to complete absence and may affect one or more limbs. They result from disruptions during fetal development, though the exact cause is often unknown. Early diagnosis and intervention help children achieve independence and mobility as they grow.

Overview:

Torticollis, also known as “twisted neck” or “wry neck,” is a condition where the neck muscles are tight or shortened, causing the head to tilt to one side and rotate to the other. In infants, it is usually congenital and noticed shortly after birth. Torticollis can affect head movement and posture, but with early treatment, most children recover fully without long-term issues.

Overview:

Bowlegs is a condition where the legs curve outward at the knees, creating a gap between the knees when the feet are together. It is common in infants and toddlers as part of normal development and usually resolves on its own by age 2 or 3. Persistent or severe bowlegs may indicate an underlying problem such as rickets or Blount’s disease.

Overview:

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition in which a baby’s hip joint does not form properly. The ball at the top of the thigh bone (femoral head) does not fit securely into the hip socket. This can range from a loose joint to a fully dislocated hip. DDH can affect one or both hips and is most often present at birth, but may develop in early infancy.

Overview:

Flat feet, also called fallen arches, is a condition where the arches of the feet are low or completely collapsed, causing the entire sole to touch the ground when standing. This can lead to uneven weight distribution and strain on the feet, ankles, and legs. Flat feet may be present from childhood or develop over time due to injury, aging, or conditions like arthritis.

Overview:

Knock knees is a condition where the knees angle inward and touch or nearly touch when a person stands with their feet apart. It’s common in children between ages 3 and 7 and often corrects itself with growth. In some cases, knock knees can persist or be caused by underlying conditions such as bone disease or injury.

Overview:

Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a condition in which one leg is shorter than the other. The difference may be small and barely noticeable, or more significant and cause visible changes in posture and movement. This condition can be caused by differences in bone length or by muscle imbalances, joint issues, or posture problems that make one leg appear shorter. LLD can be present at birth or develop later due to injury, surgery, infection, or medical conditions like scoliosis or hip disorders.

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A slipped hip, also known as capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), is a condition where the head of the thigh bone slips off the neck at the growth plate in the hip joint. It typically affects children and teens during growth spurts, especially those who are overweight or have hormonal imbalances. SCFE requires prompt treatment to prevent long-term joint damage.

Overview:

Irritable hip, also called transient synovitis, is a temporary inflammation of the hip joint that commonly affects young children. It usually follows a minor viral infection or injury and causes hip pain and limping. The condition is typically harmless and resolves on its own within a few weeks with proper rest and care.

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Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, usually caused by bacteria, but sometimes by fungi. It can occur after an injury, surgery, or spread through the bloodstream from another infection site. Osteomyelitis can affect any bone but is most common in the long bones of children and the spine or pelvis in adults. If untreated, it can cause bone destruction and serious complications.

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Septic arthritis is a serious infection in a joint caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It leads to inflammation, pain, and swelling in the affected joint. This condition can develop quickly and cause joint damage if not treated promptly. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, or shoulders but can involve any joint.

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A dislocation occurs when one or more of the bones are forced out of their normal position at a joint, often due to trauma such as a fall, sports injury, or direct blow. This injury disrupts the alignment of the joint and can damage surrounding ligaments, tendons, and nerves. It most commonly affects individuals involved in high-risk activities or occupations and older adults who are more prone to falls. Dislocations can occur in almost any body joint, but the most affected ones are the shoulder, finger, knee, elbows, hip, and jaw joints.

Overview:

A fracture involves a break or crack in any bone in the body. These injuries are often caused by falls, direct impacts, sports injuries, and other traumatic injuries. Fractures can range from small hairline cracks to more severe breaks that shift the bone out of alignment or break it into multiple pieces. Anyone of any age can sustain a bone fractur, but they are especially common in children and older adults.

Overview:

Little League elbow is an overuse injury that affects the growth plate on the inner part of a young athlete’s elbow. It’s most common in children and adolescents who play baseball, especially pitchers, due to repetitive throwing motions. The condition results from stress on the growth plate where tendons attach. If not treated early, it can lead to long-term elbow problems or deformity.

Overview:

Little League shoulder is an overuse injury that affects the growth plate at the top of the upper arm bone, near the shoulder. It most commonly occurs in young baseball players, especially pitchers, due to repetitive overhead throwing. The stress from repeated motion causes inflammation and irritation of the growth plate. With early diagnosis and proper rest, young athletes typically recover fully and return to play safely.

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Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents, especially those active in running or jumping sports. It occurs when the tendon connecting the kneecap pulls repeatedly on the growth plate at the top of the shinbone, causing inflammation and pain. The condition is self-limiting and typically improves as the growth plates close with age.

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Sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries that affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the body. A sprain involves the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the tough bands of tissue that connect bones at a joint. A strain, on the other hand, involves injury to a muscle or tendon, the fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. Both injuries often occur during sports, physical activity, or accidents that force a joint or muscle beyond its normal range of motion.

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A stress fracture is a small crack or severe bruise within a bone, typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse over time, as opposed to a single injury. It's a common overuse injury, especially in weight-bearing bones like those in the foot or lower leg. Runners, dancers, and military personnel often experience these fractures.

Overview:

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological conditions that affect movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain, most often before, during, or shortly after birth.

CP is a lifelong condition, but its effects vary widely. Some people have mild movement challenges, while others may experience more significant physical or developmental needs. With the right care and support, many individuals with cerebral palsy can improve function and quality of life.

Overview:

Digital clubbing is a physical condition in which the fingertips and nails change shape. The nails curve downward, and the ends of the fingers or toes enlarge, resembling clubs. This condition isn't a disease itself but often indicates an underlying medical issue, frequently related to the heart, lungs, or liver. It develops over time due to increased soft tissue and blood flow at the nail bed.

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Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass over time. It occurs when abnormal genes interfere with the production of proteins needed to build and maintain healthy muscles. MD primarily affects boys and can vary in severity, with some types appearing in early childhood. While there is no cure, treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

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Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t develop properly during early pregnancy. It’s a type of neural tube defect that can range from mild to severe, depending on the size and location of the opening in the spine. In more serious forms, it can lead to physical and neurological challenges. Early diagnosis and ongoing care can help manage symptoms and improve function.

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Benign bone tumors are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on bones. They are usually slow-growing and do not spread to other parts of the body. Many benign bone tumors cause no symptoms and are often found incidentally during imaging for other reasons. While typically harmless, some may cause pain, swelling, or weaken the bone, requiring monitoring or treatment.

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Malignant bone tumors are cancerous growths that originate in bone tissue or spread to bones from other parts of the body. They can grow rapidly, invade surrounding tissues, and metastasize to distant sites. The most common primary types include osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. Early detection and treatment are critical to improve outcomes and preserve limb function.