Congenital Conditions (present at birth):

• Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus): A deformity where the foot is twisted inward or downward.

• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): An abnormal development of the hip joint, where the hip socket does not fully cover the ball of the upper thigh bone.

• Congenital Limb Deficiencies: Conditions where a child is born with missing or underdeveloped limbs.

• Congenital Torticollis: A condition where an infant’s neck muscles are abnormally tight, causing the head to tilt to one side.

Growth Plate Injuries:

• The growth plate is the area of developing tissue at the ends of long bones in children. Injuries to these areas (Salter-Harris fractures) can affect bone growth and development.

• Early and accurate treatment is essential to prevent long-term complications such as limb length discrepancies or angular deformities.

Scoliosis:

• A sideways curvature of the spine that can develop during childhood or adolescence.

• Idiopathic Scoliosis: The most common form, typically developing during a child’s growth spurt.

• Congenital Scoliosis: Present at birth due to abnormal vertebrae formation.

• Treatment may involve bracing for mild cases or surgery for more severe curvatures.

Cerebral Palsy:

• A neuromuscular condition affecting movement and muscle tone, often leading to orthopaedic issues like spasticity, joint deformities, and contractures.

• Children with cerebral palsy may require surgical interventions, bracing, and physical therapy to improve mobility and manage deformities.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease:

• A rare condition in children where the blood supply to the ball of the hip joint is temporarily interrupted, leading to bone deterioration.

• Treatment may include bracing, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity.

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE):

• A condition where the head of the femur (thigh bone) slips off the neck at the growth plate, causing hip and knee pain.

• SCFE usually requires surgical intervention to stabilize the femoral head and prevent further slippage.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease):

• A genetic disorder that leads to fragile bones that break easily, often with minimal trauma.

• Treatment focuses on fracture management, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery (e.g., inserting rods in bones for support).

Osgood-Schlatter Disease:

• An overuse injury causing pain and swelling just below the knee, where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone.

• It’s common in physically active children and usually resolves with rest, physical therapy, and activity modification.

Flatfoot:

• Many children have flexible flatfoot (no arch) during early childhood. Most cases resolve naturally as the child grows.

• Treatment is only necessary if the child experiences pain or functional limitations, and may include orthotics or surgery in severe cases.

Fractures in Children:

• Children are more prone to fractures due to falls and sports injuries.

• Paediatric bones are more flexible and have growth plates, so treatment often requires specialized care to ensure proper healing without affecting future growth.

• Common types of fractures in children include greenstick fractures, buckle (torus) fractures, and growth plate (physeal) fractures.