OTHER PAEDIATRIC PATHOLOGIES

PERTHES DISEASE OF HIP

Perthes disease, also known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, is a childhood hip condition where the blood supply to the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) is temporarily disrupted, causing the bone to weaken and break down. Parents often search for terms like Perthes disease symptoms in children, child limping with no pain, or hip pain in child when trying to identify early signs. From an orthopaedic perspective, this condition may present with limping, hip stiffness, trouble walking, or limited range of motion. It usually affects children between ages 4 and 10 and can lead to changes in hip shape as it heals. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging like an X-ray for hip pain in a child, and the disease progresses through several Perthes disease stages. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, maintaining hip motion, and protecting the joint—often using physical therapy, activity modification, bracing for Perthes disease, or in some cases, surgery for Perthes disease in children. Parents also ask about the long-term effects of Perthes disease, such as early arthritis, and the importance of non-weight bearing strategies. Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and proper orthopedic care for Perthes disease are essential for healthy hip development and long-term joint function.

SLIPPED CAPITAL FEMORAL EPIPHYSIS (SCFE)

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) is a hip condition seen in growing children and adolescents where the ball at the top of the thigh bone (femoral head) slips out of place through the growth plate. Parents often search for signs like hip pain in teenager, child limping with hip or knee pain, or sudden groin pain in teen—as SCFE can also present with knee pain rather than just hip discomfort. It’s sometimes described as a slipped growth plate in hip and is considered an orthopedic emergency. From an orthopaedic perspective, SCFE symptoms in children may include difficulty walking, a limping gait, or the child refusing to bear weight. Risk factors include rapid growth during puberty, obesity, hormonal issues, and medical conditions like hypothyroidism or kidney disease. Diagnosis typically involves X-rays for hip pain in teenagers, and treatment almost always requires surgery for SCFE to stabilize the bone and prevent further slippage. Parents frequently look up SCFE recovery time, physical therapy after SCFE, and the long-term effects of SCFE. Early diagnosis and timely orthopedic care are crucial to minimize complications and preserve hip joint function.

FEMOROACETABULAR IMPINGEMENT (FAI)

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a hip condition where abnormal contact between the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint causes pain and limited movement. Parents often search for terms like hip pain in teenager, pain in hip after sports child, or child complaining of hip and groin pain, especially when symptoms show up in young athletes during growth. FAI typically develops in active children and teens as the hip bones form, sometimes due to cam or pincer impingement. Common signs include groin pain during sports, hip stiffness, limping, hip clicking or popping, and pain when sitting, squatting, or bending. Diagnosis may involve an MRI for hip pain in children to assess bone shape and joint health. From an orthopaedic perspective, early diagnosis of FAI is crucial to avoid long-term damage or early arthritis. Treatment for FAI in adolescents may include activity modification, physical therapy exercises, and, in some cases, hip surgery for FAI to reshape the bones and protect the joint. Parents often ask when to see an orthopedic doctor for hip pain, especially if pain persists after sports or rest.

LIMB LENGTH DISCREPANCY (LLD)

Limb Length Discrepancy (LLD) happens when one leg is shorter than the other, causing a limb length difference in kids that can affect posture, walking, and balance. Parents often search for reasons like why is my child’s leg shorter or limb length discrepancy causes when they notice a child walking with a limp or experiencing leg length difference pain. Small differences may not cause issues, but larger ones can lead to back or hip pain, joint strain, or limping. Early orthopedic evaluation for leg length difference is important to decide on treatment options, which might include shoe lifts for leg length discrepancy, physical therapy exercises, or more advanced options like growth plate surgery or bone lengthening surgery in children. Timely management helps prevent long-term problems and supports healthy growth and alignment.

BRACHIAL PLEXUS BIRTH INJURIES

Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries happen when the network of nerves controlling a baby’s arm and hand is stretched or damaged during delivery, causing baby arm weakness after birth, limited movement, or even arm paralysis from birth injury. Parents often notice their baby’s arm not moving properly or showing muscle weakness after delivery. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, with many babies improving through physical therapy for brachial plexus injury, while some might require surgery for brachial plexus birth injury if nerve function doesn’t recover. Conditions like Erb’s palsy are common forms of this injury. Timely care and rehabilitation help most children regain good use of their arm and hand, so parents should seek evaluation if they suspect nerve damage in baby’s arm or arm weakness after birth.

CONGENITAL MUSCULAR TORTICOLLIS

Congenital Muscular Torticollis is a condition where a baby’s neck muscle, usually the sternocleidomastoid, becomes tight or shortened, causing a baby head tilt after birth and the head to turn to one side with the chin pointing the opposite way. Parents often notice neck muscle tightness in newborns or the baby’s head tilted to one side in the first weeks of life. Early treatment, including physical therapy for torticollis, gentle stretching exercises for babies, and special positioning techniques, is highly effective. In rare cases, surgery for torticollis may be necessary if the condition doesn’t improve. Prompt care helps prevent complications such as flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) and supports normal motor development, ensuring your baby gains full neck movement.

ARTHROGRYPOSIS MULTIPLEX CONGENITA (AMC)

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) is a rare condition present at birth, characterized by stiffness and limited movement in multiple joints due to underdeveloped muscles and joint contractures. From an orthopaedic perspective, children with AMC may also have dislocated hips or stiff joints in the arms and legs, affecting mobility and function. Parents often search for “what causes Arthrogryposis,” “is Arthrogryposis genetic,” or “can children with Arthrogryposis walk” during the diagnostic journey. Treatment for Arthrogryposis includes physical therapy, splinting, and corrective surgeries, guided by a multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists. Many families explore options such as the best hospitals for Arthrogryposis treatment, look for support groups for AMC, read success stories, and seek guidance on raising a child with Arthrogryposis. With early and ongoing care, many children with AMC achieve improved movement, independence, and lead active, fulfilling lives.