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Pediatric orthopaedics is a medical field that deals with diseases of the musculoskeletal system in infants, children, and adolescents. Congenital orthopaedic problems (e.g., congenital hip dislocation), developmental disorders (spinal curvatures such as scoliosis) and trauma-related problems (fractures and dislocations) fall within the scope of pediatric orthopaedics. Problems such as gait disorders, flat feet and clubfoot are also treated in this field. Children's bone, muscle and joint structures require a special approach because they are still growing, unlike those of adults. For this reason, pediatric orthopaedists take these developmental differences into account in both the diagnosis and treatment process.
Treatment methods may include physical therapy, surgical interventions and the use of orthopaedic devices.
What is Pediatric Orthopaedics?
Pediatric orthopaedics is the field of expertise that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of problems related to children's bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues from infancy to adolescence. The department addresses congenital foot and hip problems, growth disorders such as spinal curvature and leg length discrepancies, traumatic injuries such as fractures and dislocations commonly seen in active children, bone infections and tumours, and neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida. As children's skeletal systems are still growing, specialists create treatment plans by adapting various surgical and non-surgical methods to each patient's specific needs. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical in supporting children's healthy growth and development, thereby improving their quality of life.
Pediatric orthopaedics aims to protect the growth and development processes by intervening early and correctly in disorders that arise in children's bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. During this critical period when the growth plates (epiphyseal plates) are open, meaning bone development is ongoing, managing anatomical and physiological differences with expert insight is extremely important in preventing permanent deformities and serious mobility limitations that may occur in the future. For this reason, physicians working in the field of paediatric orthopaedics tailor treatment plans according to the child's age, general health status and lifestyle. At the same time, they aim to protect children's future physical abilities, social adaptation and overall quality of life by working in collaboration with other medical disciplines.
What Does Pediatric Orthopaedics Cover?
Pediatric orthopaedics deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various diseases that occur in the bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues of children between the ages of 0 and 18. This includes congenital foot and hip problems (e.g., clubfoot and developmental hip dysplasia), growth disorders such as spinal curvature (scoliosis) and leg length discrepancies, traumatic injuries such as fractures or dislocations commonly seen in active children, infections (bone infections) and benign or malignant bone tumours, as well as neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida. As children's skeletal systems are still developing, surgical and non-surgical treatment methods in this field must be specifically planned according to the child's age, growth rate and general health.
What Conditions Does Pediatric Orthopaedics Treat?
Conditions treated in pediatric orthopaedics encompass various disorders affecting children's bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues from infancy to adolescence. These disorders can cause significant functional problems during the growth and development period.
Common examples include congenital foot and hip problems, spinal curvatures (scoliosis), leg length discrepancies, neuromuscular diseases (cerebral palsy and spina bifida), traumatic injuries such as fractures and dislocations, and bone infections or tumours. Furthermore, disorders in skeletal system development, joint abnormalities, and connective tissue disorders due to genetic or acquired factors also fall within the scope of this speciality. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of all these conditions are critical for promoting healthy growth and improving the quality of life in children.
Congenital Foot and Hip Problems
Congenital foot deformities (e.g., clubfoot) and hip dislocation, if not diagnosed and treated early, can adversely affect children's walking function and overall skeletal development. These conditions are usually identified through physical examination, imaging techniques, and, in some cases, genetic testing. Treatment approaches range from non-surgical methods such as casting and orthotic use to surgical procedures when necessary.
Spinal Curvatures (Scoliosis)
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves sideways and can progress rapidly during the growth process. While non-surgical methods such as brace treatment or exercises are preferred in the early stages of the disease, surgical correction may be necessary in cases of advanced curvature. Early diagnosis of scoliosis is crucial in preventing permanent deformities and reduced lung capacity that may occur in later stages.
Leg Length Discrepancies
Leg length discrepancies can cause walking and posture problems in children. Causes include congenital structural problems, trauma, or infections. Treatment options include lengthening the shorter leg, shortening the longer leg, or using special orthotics and insoles. Close monitoring and timely interventions can help children participate more smoothly in their daily activities.
Neuromuscular Diseases (Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida)
Neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida affect mobility and skeletal development due to damage to the muscles and nervous system. In these conditions, paediatric orthopaedic specialists aim to maximise children's independent mobility through physiotherapy, orthotic use and, if necessary, surgical interventions. Early treatment helps prevent potential joint deformities and permanent deformities.
Traumatic Injuries Such as Fractures and Dislocations
Accidents such as falls and collisions are common during active childhood, which can lead to traumatic injuries such as fractures and dislocations. Although children's bone structure is more flexible and has a faster healing potential than adults, incorrect healing or damage to growth plates can lead to serious problems in the long term. Therefore, it is crucial that traumatic injuries are treated appropriately and the healing process is closely monitored.
Bone Infections and Tumours
Bone infections (e.g., osteomyelitis) require rapid diagnosis and correct treatment; otherwise, they can permanently affect children's skeletal development. Benign or malignant bone tumours are also monitored and treated in the field of paediatric orthopaedics. In such cases, a multidisciplinary approach (involving orthopaedics, oncology, radiology, etc.) is adopted, with surgical or drug treatments applied to protect both the patient's general health and skeletal development.
Other Skeletal System Development Disorders
Some children may experience skeletal system development disorders due to genetic or acquired factors. This group includes deformities of the spine, trunk or extremities, joint limitations and connective tissue disorders. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up play a critical role in determining the correct timing of treatment. Appropriate surgical interventions or supportive treatments aim to enable children to continue their daily activities and maintain their overall quality of life.
Diagnosis and Tests Performed in the Pediatric Orthopaedics Department
To diagnose potential disorders in children's bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, a detailed physical examination is first conducted. Subsequently, imaging tests such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequently used to better visualise bone structure and potential deformities. When necessary, advanced investigations such as computed tomography (CT) scans or bone scintigraphy may also be performed to detect structural abnormalities in the skeletal system and damage to growth plates. In some cases, blood tests and genetic testing may also be performed; laboratory tests contribute significantly to the diagnostic process, particularly when there is suspicion of infection, tumours, or hereditary disease.
Treatment and Methods Used in the Pediatric Orthopaedics Department
Treatment approaches in pediatric orthopaedics vary depending on the patient's age, general health, and the type of disorder. In cases such as fractures and dislocations, non-surgical methods such as plaster casts or splints are frequently used. In growth disorders, supportive treatments such as physical therapy, orthotics, or prosthetics may be preferred to support the child's natural development. Surgical operations are considered for serious conditions such as advanced spinal curvatures, congenital abnormal bone structures, or tumours. During these operations, techniques and materials that will protect the children's growth plates and enable them to continue their development as healthily as possible in later stages are used. In addition, a multidisciplinary approach is adopted, involving collaboration with specialists from different fields, such as physiotherapists, neurologists and oncologists, with the aim of maintaining the child's general well-being.
