Orthopedic correction in children is a group of methods aimed at correcting a deformity of the bones, limb alignment or limb position, and it may be non-surgical, such as splints and braces, or surgical when needed. Because a child's bones are still growing, the surgeon chooses the method and timing after careful assessment.
Note: This is general information. A surgeon who treats pediatric orthopedic conditions decides, after an in-person examination, whether correction is needed and of what type.
When Correction May Be Considered
- A deformity of the legs or feet that affects walking
- A deformity that increases as the child grows
- Limbs of unequal length
- A bone that healed poorly after an earlier fracture
- Pain or a limp linked to the position of the bone
- Non-surgical methods that have not been enough
What Correction Addresses
Correction aims to address a problem with the alignment or shape of a bone, which can come from:
- Deformities present from birth
- A disturbance in bone growth or the growth plates
- Earlier injuries or fractures that healed in a poor position
- Nerve or muscle conditions
- Imbalances at the hip, knee or foot
Diagnosis
Assessment includes examining limb position, walking and movement, with X-rays to measure alignment, angles and growth areas. Further tests may be requested depending on the case.
From these, the surgeon decides whether the condition needs monitoring, non-surgical treatment or surgery. For more about the kinds of deformity, see bone deformities.
Treatment options
Non-surgical treatment
The plan usually starts with non-surgical methods when they suit the case, and is followed as the child grows.
- Splints and gradual casting
- Braces and special shoes
- Exercises and physiotherapy
- Regular follow-up with imaging
- Guiding bone growth with certain methods chosen by the surgeon
Surgical treatment
When non-surgical methods are not enough, the bone may be cut and realigned, its direction of growth adjusted, gradually lengthened, or held with internal or external fixation. The surgeon chooses the procedure and its timing with the child's continuing bone growth in mind.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery time varies from child to child and is set by the surgeon after assessment. Rehabilitation and regular follow-up are an essential part of the plan, because the child is still growing.
- Protecting the limb and keeping to the support as the doctor directs
- Caring for the wound or fixation sites
- Physiotherapy to restore movement and strength
- A gradual return to walking and play
- Regular follow-up with examination and imaging as the child grows
When to see the doctor
Have your child seen by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon if you notice:
- A clear or increasing deformity of the limbs
- A limp or pain when walking
- Legs of unequal length
- A bone that does not seem to have healed properly after a fracture
- Difficulty playing or moving because of the shape of a limb