What are the most common orthopaedic problems in children?
Children commonly experience orthopaedic problems including fractures, flat feet, scoliosis, developmental dysplasia of the hip, clubfoot, and juvenile arthritis. These conditions affect bone growth, posture, and mobility. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to prevent long-term complications. Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune provides dedicated paediatric orthopaedic care for children across Western Maharashtra.
Note: Children's bones are still growing, which means certain conditions respond well to early, conservative treatment — but also means delays can have lasting effects on development.
The paediatric orthopaedic programme at Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune addresses the full spectrum of childhood bone and joint disorders, from congenital orthopaedic conditions to sports-related injuries.
Which bone and joint conditions commonly affect children?
The following are the most frequently encountered orthopaedic and neuromuscular disorders in childhood:
- Fractures — The most common orthopaedic injury in children. Greenstick and buckle fractures are unique to growing bones.
- Flat Foot (Pes Planus) — Absence or low arch in the foot; often physiological in young children but may require intervention if symptomatic.
- Scoliosis — Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, most often identified during adolescence.
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) — Abnormal development of the hip joint, present from birth or early infancy.
- Clubfoot (Congenital Talipes Equinovarus) — A congenital orthopaedic disorder where the foot is twisted inward and downward at birth.
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) — Persistent joint inflammation in children under 16 years of age.
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease — Pain and swelling below the kneecap, common in active adolescents during growth spurts.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease — Avascular necrosis of the femoral head affecting children, typically between ages 4 and 10.
- In-toeing and Out-toeing — Rotational gait abnormalities that are often self-correcting but warrant monitoring.
- Bow Legs and Knock Knees — Common in toddlers; most resolve naturally, but persistent cases need assessment.
What are the warning signs that a child may have an orthopaedic problem?
Parents and caregivers should watch for the following signs that may indicate a bone or joint problem requiring orthopaedic evaluation:
- Persistent limping or an abnormal gait that does not resolve within a few days
- Refusal to bear weight on a limb after a fall or injury
- Visible deformity of a limb, joint, or the spine
- Swelling, warmth, or redness around a joint lasting more than 48 hours
- Complaints of joint or bone pain that interfere with play, sport, or sleep
- One shoulder or hip appearing noticeably higher than the other
- Delayed walking milestones (not walking by 18 months)
- Asymmetry in leg length or arm movement
Warning: A child who refuses to move a limb after a fall, or who has visible angulation of a bone, should be assessed in an emergency or orthopaedic setting promptly. Do not attempt to straighten or splint the limb at home.
What is scoliosis and how is it treated in children?
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often shaped like an S or C. It is most commonly identified during the adolescent growth spurt, though it can present earlier. Most cases are idiopathic (no known cause).
| Curve Severity | Typical Management |
|---|---|
| Mild (<20°) | Observation and periodic X-ray monitoring |
| Moderate (20°–40°) | Bracing to prevent curve progression during growth |
| Severe (>40°–50°) | Surgical correction (spinal fusion) considered |
Early detection through school screening or routine check-ups significantly improves outcomes. For children with spine-related concerns, our spine care programme at Deccan Hardikar Hospital offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning.
How do I know if my child has a fracture or just a bruise?
Distinguishing a fracture from a soft-tissue injury in children can be difficult, as children's bones are more flexible and may not show the same signs as adult fractures. Key differences to look for:
- Fracture indicators: Point tenderness directly over the bone, visible deformity or angulation, inability or refusal to use the limb, swelling that develops rapidly after injury
- Bruise/soft-tissue injury indicators: Tenderness spread across a wider area, full range of motion preserved, swelling is mild and develops gradually, child resumes activity relatively quickly
Children's fractures include types not seen in adults:
- Greenstick fracture — The bone bends and cracks on one side only, like a green twig.
- Buckle (torus) fracture — The bone compresses and buckles without a complete break.
- Growth plate (physeal) fracture — Involves the cartilaginous growth plate; requires careful management to avoid growth disturbance.
When in doubt, an X-ray is the appropriate next step. Our trauma care team at Deccan Hardikar Hospital is equipped to assess and manage paediatric fractures promptly.
When should a child see an orthopaedic doctor?
Seek an orthopaedic consultation for your child if any of the following apply:
- Limping or abnormal gait persists for more than 5–7 days without a clear minor cause
- Joint swelling or pain lasts more than 48–72 hours, especially with no history of injury
- The child refuses to walk or bear weight after a fall
- A visible curve in the spine is noticed, or one shoulder sits higher than the other
- Flat feet cause pain, fatigue in the legs, or difficulty keeping up with peers in physical activity
- A newborn or infant has asymmetric leg creases, limited hip movement, or one leg appears shorter
- A child's walking pattern has not normalised by age 3 (in-toeing, out-toeing, or toe-walking)
- There is a family history of congenital orthopaedic disorders and a new concern arises
Tip: Early intervention in conditions such as DDH, clubfoot, and scoliosis is associated with better functional outcomes. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking an assessment.
How does Deccan Hardikar Hospital support children with orthopaedic conditions?
Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune has served as a superspeciality orthopaedic and referral centre for Western Maharashtra for five decades. The hospital's paediatric orthopaedic services are part of a broader orthopaedic programme that covers trauma, joint care, spine care, and sports medicine under one roof.
Key aspects of the paediatric orthopaedic care at Deccan Hardikar Hospital include:
- Dedicated orthopaedic specialists with experience in paediatric bone and joint disorders
- On-site imaging and a histopathology laboratory to support accurate diagnosis
- Integrated care pathways linking orthopaedics with neurology, rheumatology, and physiotherapy where needed
- NABH Pre-Accredited facility, reflecting a commitment to patient safety and clinical quality standards
- Transparent cost structures and a patient-centric environment designed to be accessible for families
For children requiring surgical intervention — including fracture fixation or correction of congenital deformities — the hospital's surgical teams are experienced in both open and minimally invasive approaches. Families can also explore joint care services and joint replacement options for adolescents with advanced joint disease.
Book a Paediatric Orthopaedic Consultation at Deccan Hardikar Hospital
Located at 1160/61, University Rd, Shivajinagar, Pune 411005. Use the booking form on this page to schedule an appointment.