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Paediatric orthopaedics
From routine conditions such as flat foot to complex spinal conditions including scoliosis, our hospital dedicated to children is The Portland Hospital which is home to children’s orthopaedics and the spinal and scoliosis centre.
Expert paediatric orthopaedic support
About orthopaedic care for children
Orthopaedics covers a range of congenital, developmental and general musculoskeletal conditions, as well as sports injuries. Our paediatric orthopaedic specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions affecting children, from routine ones such as club foot to the more complex including scoliosis, cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
At HCA UK, we work in multidisciplinary teams, bringing together a range of experts including orthotists, neurologists, therapists and specialist nurses to deliver the wrap-around support and exceptional care your child needs.
Paediatric orthopaedic conditions we treat
Cerebral palsy
The term cerebral palsy refers to a group of conditions, all related to problems with muscle control and movement. These conditions are caused by a brain injury before, during or after birth. Although they are lifelong, there are a range of treatments available to support your child's development.
Clubfoot
Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a baby is born with their ankle and foot pointing towards the body and the tendons are shorter than usual. If your baby has clubfoot, it’s most likely to be treated soon after birth with a procedure called the Ponseti technique, in which their foot will be realigned using plaster casts, and then encased in a special boot until they are five.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
DDH, also known as congenital hip dislocation or hip dysplasia, causes the ball-and-socket joint of the hips to not form properly in babies and young children. To begin with, your child’s consultant will usually try a minimally invasive ‘closed reduction’ procedure. If this isn’t successful, your baby will need open reduction and hip reconstruction surgery.
Irritable hip in children
Sometimes called transient synovitis, irritable hip is the most common cause of hip pain in children. Your child might have difficulty crawling, standing or walking but the condition isn't serious and should clear up on its own with rest. However, depending on the symptoms your child displays, your consultant may recommend other treatment.
Kyphosis in children
Kyphosis in children is sometimes called juvenile kyphosis or roundback. If your child has kyphosis, their back will appear markedly curved when viewed from the side. Depending on the severity of the condition, your child may be treated with physiotherapy, a special brace, or in severe cases, surgery to prevent further curving.
Paediatric scoliosis
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that usually occurs in children between 10-18 years old. You might notice that your child’s rib cage, hip or waist sticks out, that one shoulder is higher than the other or that there is an obvious curve of the back. Scoliosis isn’t usually painful and is treated with observation, bracing or surgery, depending on how severe the curve is.
Perthes' disease
Legg Calve Perthes disease, usually known as Perthes disease, is a rare condition that can affect your child's hip joint. It starts by restricting blood supply to the top of the thigh bone. This leads to inflammation and irritation. Treatment will help your child to form a newer, stronger bone and they are likely to regain normal movement with time.
Pseudarthrosis of the tibia
Pseudarthrosis of the tibia is a rare and complex condition that usually occurs before a child is two. It’s often linked to a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis. A spontaneous fracture acts as a false joint, so your child’s leg may appear bowed. We can treat pseudarthrosis with surgery, replacing your child’s damaged bone with healthy bone.
Septic arthritis in children
Septic arthritis is a bacterial infection in the joint space and may cause permanent damage if not treated immediately. It's most common in the hip and knees, and is often accompanied by pain, fever, redness and a racing pulse. If you suspect your child has septic arthritis, you should take them to a hospital’s emergency department immediately or call 999.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)
SCFE is a hip condition that occurs when the ball at the top of the femur (thighbone) moves backwards from the neck of the bone. It can occur because of growth spurts, a fall or other trauma, or excessive weight issues. Your child's consultant can assess them and determine whether surgery is required.
Spina bifida
Spina bifida occurs when a baby's spine doesn't develop properly in the womb, leaving a gap in their spine. There are different forms, which vary in severity. Spina bifida can usually be detected in a pregnancy scan between the 18th and 21st weeks. It might be possible to perform spinal surgery soon after birth to close the gap in your baby’s spine.
Paediatric orthopaedic injuries we treat
Brachial plexus injuries during birth
The brachial plexus is a group of nerve fibres that send signals to the shoulders, arms and hands. If your baby’s brachial plexus is damaged during delivery, it can cause weakness or total lack of function in these areas. Your consultant is likely to recommend nerve graft repair or nerve transfer to repair the damage and restore movement.
Joint inflammation caused by sport injury
If your child plays a lot of sports, they might end up with a sports injury that causes joint inflammation and swelling, which can be very painful. Your consultant may arrange an MRI or ultrasound scan to examine the joint and the surrounding soft tissue. Treatment can range from rest and ice packs to ultrasound-guided steroid injection to aid rehabilitation.
Muscle strains and sprains
Muscle strains and sprains are common, especially for children who play a lot of sports. They are graded by severity and cause symptoms including pain, muscle weakness and spasms or cramps. If your child has a strain or sprain, they may be offered pain relief or psychotherapy, or in the case of torn ligaments or ruptured muscles, surgery.
Paediatric fractures
Your child’s bones are softer than an adult’s bones, which means that they are more easily broken. Fractures are usually diagnosed with an X-ray and our consultants can treat them with surgery or a non-surgical procedure called a ‘closed reduction’ to reset the bone. After a closed reduction, the injured area might be put in a plaster case to protect it while it heals.
Tendon Repair Surgery
Tendon injuries are relatively common and are often treated with physiotherapy. If your child has torn or ruptured a tendon, their consultant may recommend tendon repair surgery, which can be carried out under local or general anaesthetic. After surgery, your child will need to rest, and they’ll most likely take part in physiotherapy to help them rebuild their strength.
Back pain in children and teenagers
There are many other reasons your child may be experiencing back pain. Our multidisciplinary paediatric orthopaedic care team - including orthopaedic, neurological and paediatric specialists - can help get to the root of the problem. They’ll also be able to talk you through treatment options, which range from medication and physiotherapy to surgery.
Our paediatric orthopaedic care facilities
Your child can be seen by specialists at our outpatient centres across the UK, as well as at our dedicated paediatric hospital, The Portland Hospital, in London.
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Request an appointment with an orthopaediatrician
To talk to us or book an appointment, simply call the paediatric team on the number below.