Orthopedic Problems in Children Are Different From Adults

When a child complains of leg pain, walks differently, develops bowed legs or suffers a fracture, parents often wonder whether the problem will disappear naturally as the child grows.

Sometimes it does.

But sometimes an apparently minor problem may involve the child's growth plate, hip joint, spine, muscles or developing bones, and delaying treatment can make correction more difficult later.

Pediatric orthopedics is therefore not simply adult orthopedics for smaller patients.

Children's bones are still growing. They heal differently from adult bones, their joints continue to develop, and injuries near a growth plate can potentially influence future limb growth. Specialist pediatric orthopedic care focuses not only on treating today's problem but also on protecting the child's future growth, mobility and function.

Hospitals in Kolkata now provide dedicated pediatric orthopedic services for conditions ranging from clubfoot and developmental hip problems to fractures, cerebral palsy, scoliosis and complex limb deformities. (Apollo Hospitals)

What Is Pediatric Orthopedics?

Pediatric orthopedics is a branch of orthopedic surgery dealing with bone, joint, muscle, ligament and limb-development problems in babies, children and adolescents.

A pediatric orthopedic specialist may treat conditions that are:

• Present from birth

• Related to growth and development

• Caused by injury

• Associated with neurological diseases

• Caused by bone or joint infections

• Related to sports

• Related to abnormal growth of a limb or spine

Because a child's skeleton changes continuously during growth, early diagnosis can sometimes allow treatment with casting, braces, physiotherapy or guided growth, avoiding more extensive surgery later.

Common Orthopedic Diseases in Children

1. Clubfoot or CTEV

Clubfoot, medically known as Congenital Talipes Equinovarus or CTEV, is a congenital condition in which one or both feet are turned inward and downward.

It is usually noticeable soon after birth.

The baby's foot may appear:

• Turned inward

• Pointed downward

• Smaller than the opposite foot when only one side is affected

• Stiff and difficult to move into a normal position

How Is Clubfoot Treated?

The most widely used treatment is the Ponseti method.

This involves gentle manipulation of the foot followed by a series of casts that gradually correct the deformity. Many babies also require a small procedure called an Achilles tenotomy, followed by bracing to help maintain the correction.

The Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America notes that Ponseti serial casting is a preferred treatment approach for idiopathic clubfoot, with bracing playing a major role in preventing recurrence. (POSNA)

Treatment is generally easier when it begins early.

Parents should also understand that completing the casting phase is not the end of treatment. Following the prescribed brace schedule is extremely important because clubfoot can recur.

2. Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip — DDH

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) occurs when a baby's hip joint does not develop normally.

The ball at the top of the thighbone may be loose within the hip socket or, in more severe cases, partially or completely dislocated.

Some babies do not show obvious symptoms.

Possible warning signs include:

• Unequal leg lengths

• Uneven skin folds around the thighs

• Reduced movement of one hip

• Difficulty spreading the legs during diaper changes

• Limping after the child starts walking

Early diagnosis is particularly important.

Infants with certain forms of DDH may be treated using a special brace such as a Pavlik harness, while older babies or more severe cases may require reduction, casting or surgery. Evidence-based pediatric orthopedic guidelines specifically address early detection and nonsurgical management of DDH in infants. (POSNA)

This is one reason routine newborn and infant examinations are important even when the baby appears healthy.

3. Bow Legs in Children

Bow legs, or genu varum, means the knees remain apart when the child stands with the feet together.

A degree of bowing can be normal in infants and young toddlers.

As children grow, their leg alignment usually changes naturally.

However, orthopedic evaluation may be needed when:

• Bowing is severe

• Only one leg is affected

• The deformity becomes worse rather than better

• The child has pain

• Growth appears abnormal

• Bowing persists beyond the age when natural correction would normally be expected

Certain metabolic, developmental or skeletal disorders can also cause persistent bow legs.

Treatment depends entirely on the cause.

Some children require only observation, while others may need treatment for an underlying condition, bracing or corrective surgery.

4. Knock Knees

Knock knees, or genu valgum, occur when the knees touch while the ankles remain separated.

Like bow legs, some knock-knee alignment can be part of normal childhood development.

Parents should seek orthopedic advice if the deformity is:

• Severe

• Painful

• Asymmetric

• Progressively worsening

• Affecting walking or running

• Continuing unusually late in childhood

In selected children with significant deformity and remaining growth, pediatric orthopedic surgeons may use guided-growth procedures to gradually correct alignment as the child grows.

5. Flat Feet in Children

Parents frequently become concerned when their child's feet appear flat.

However, flexible flat feet are common in young children.

The arch may appear when the child sits or stands on tiptoe but disappear while standing normally.

Many painless flexible flat feet require no treatment.

A pediatric orthopedic evaluation becomes more important when flat feet are associated with:

• Persistent pain

• Stiffness

• Recurrent ankle problems

• Difficulty walking or running

• An unusually rigid foot

• Significant asymmetry

Treatment may involve observation, activity modification, footwear advice, stretching or orthotics for selected symptomatic children.

Surgery is uncommon for ordinary painless flexible flat feet.

6. Fractures in Children

Falls from playground equipment, bicycles, beds, sports and everyday accidents make fractures one of the common reasons children require orthopedic care.

But children's fractures are different from adult fractures because of the presence of growth plates.

The growth plate is an area near the end of a developing bone responsible for future bone growth.

A fracture involving this area sometimes requires careful monitoring to make sure subsequent growth remains normal.

Treatment may include:

• Splinting

• Casting

• Closed reduction

• Pins

• Flexible nails

• Plates and screws

• External fixation in selected complex injuries

The treatment depends heavily on the child's age, fracture location and fracture pattern. For example, AAOS guidance notes that treatment of femur fractures in children varies according to age, weight, fracture characteristics and associated injuries. (OrthoInfo)

Many children's fractures heal very well, but this should not be interpreted to mean that every fracture can simply be left to heal on its own.

7. Elbow Fractures in Children

An especially important injury in children is the supracondylar fracture of the humerus, which usually occurs near the elbow after a fall.

Warning signs include:

• Severe elbow pain

• Swelling

• Inability to move the elbow

• Visible deformity

• Tingling or numbness

• A pale or cold hand

AAOS identifies supracondylar humerus fractures as common childhood elbow injuries. A displaced fracture may require reduction and pin fixation, while problems with blood flow or nerves can make treatment urgent. (OrthoInfo)

A pale or cold hand after an elbow injury requires immediate medical attention.

8. Scoliosis in Children and Teenagers

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine.

It often becomes noticeable around the adolescent growth spurt.

Parents may notice:

• One shoulder appearing higher

• One shoulder blade sticking out more

• Uneven waistline

• One hip appearing higher

• The body leaning to one side

AAOS describes scoliosis as a sideways spinal curve that may resemble an “S” or “C.” Many mild curves only require observation, whereas larger or progressive curves can require bracing or surgery. (OrthoInfo)

Early assessment can be particularly useful because the amount of growth remaining influences treatment decisions.

9. Cerebral Palsy and Orthopedic Problems

Cerebral palsy primarily affects movement and muscle control, but it can also cause significant orthopedic problems as children grow.

These may include:

• Muscle tightness

• Toe walking

• Hip displacement

• Knee contractures

• Foot deformity

• Abnormal gait

• Scoliosis

Treatment is usually multidisciplinary.

Depending on the child, it may include:

• Physiotherapy

• Stretching programmes

• Braces or orthoses

• Medicines to reduce spasticity

• Botulinum toxin in selected situations

• Mobility aids

• Tendon or muscle surgery

• Hip reconstruction

• Bone correction surgery

The goal is not simply to make an X-ray appear normal. Treatment should ideally improve comfort, sitting, standing, walking, hygiene and overall function.

Neotia Bhagirathi's pediatric orthopedic service specifically lists cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disorders among the conditions treated. (Neotia Hospital)

10. Perthes Disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease affects the hip in children when blood supply to the developing femoral head is temporarily disrupted.

Children may develop:

• Limping

• Hip pain

• Groin pain

• Thigh or knee pain

• Reduced hip movement

One unusual feature is that some children complain primarily of knee pain even though the actual problem is in the hip.

Treatment depends on the child's age and the severity of hip involvement.

It may include activity modification, physiotherapy, monitoring and, in selected cases, surgery designed to keep the femoral head well positioned within the hip socket during healing.

11. Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis — SCFE

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) is an important hip problem generally seen in older children and adolescents.

The growth plate near the top of the thighbone becomes unstable, allowing part of the femoral head to slip.

Symptoms can include:

• Hip or groin pain

• Knee pain

• Limping

• Foot turning outward

• Difficulty walking

A child with suspected SCFE should be evaluated promptly.

Unlike ordinary growing pains, SCFE can require urgent surgical stabilization to prevent further slipping and complications.

Neotia Bhagirathi's pediatric orthopedic programme lists both SCFE and Perthes disease among its dedicated clinical areas. (Neotia Hospital)

12. Limb-Length Difference and Limb Deformity

Some children are born with one limb shorter than the other, while others develop a difference because of:

• Previous fracture

• Growth-plate injury

• Infection

• Congenital abnormalities

• Neurological disease

A small difference may cause little or no difficulty.

Larger differences can affect:

• Walking

• Pelvic alignment

• Posture

• Spine alignment

Treatment can range from observation and shoe lifts to guided growth, limb-lengthening or other reconstructive procedures.

The child's age and projected difference at skeletal maturity are important when deciding treatment.

13. Bone and Joint Infections

Children can develop infections involving bones or joints.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Severe localized pain

• Swelling

• Refusing to walk

• Refusing to move an arm or leg

• Unexplained irritability in a baby

Bone infection is known as osteomyelitis, while infection within a joint is known as septic arthritis.

These conditions require prompt medical assessment.

Treatment may include antibiotics and, in some cases, surgical drainage.

A child who suddenly refuses to stand or walk while also having fever should not simply be assumed to have suffered a minor sprain.

14. Pediatric Sports Injuries

Children are increasingly involved in football, cricket, swimming, athletics, gymnastics, dance and other organised sports.

Sports injuries can involve:

• Ligaments

• Tendons

• Growth plates

• Knees

• Ankles

• Shoulders

• Stress injuries

Overuse injuries can develop when training load increases faster than the child's body can adapt.

Bone stress injuries, for example, can initially produce pain only during activity but may eventually progress to pain during normal walking or even at rest if ignored. (OrthoInfo)

Persistent sports-related pain should therefore not always be dismissed as normal soreness.

What Are “Growing Pains”?

Not every episode of leg pain in childhood represents disease.

Typical growing pains generally:

• Affect both legs

• Occur later in the day or at night

• Do not cause visible swelling

• Do not usually produce a limp

• Are gone by the following morning

However, parents should seek medical advice when pain:

• Affects only one specific area repeatedly

• Is associated with swelling

• Causes limping

• Occurs with fever

• Wakes the child frequently

• Progressively worsens

• Is associated with weakness or weight loss

Persistent pain deserves investigation rather than automatically being labelled “growing pain.”

How Are Pediatric Orthopedic Problems Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with taking a careful history and physically examining the child.

The specialist may assess:

• Walking pattern or gait

• Limb alignment

• Muscle strength

• Joint movement

• Hip stability

• Spine alignment

• Leg lengths

• Foot position

• Neurological function

Depending on the problem, investigations may include:

X-ray

Useful for fractures, deformity, hip conditions and scoliosis.

Ultrasound

Often particularly useful for assessing infant hips.

MRI

Provides detailed images of bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues.

CT Scan

May be useful for certain complex fractures or deformities.

Blood Tests

Can be necessary when infection, inflammation or metabolic bone disease is suspected.

Not every child requires extensive scans. The appropriate investigation depends on the suspected condition.

Treatment of Pediatric Orthopedic Diseases

One of the most important things parents should know is that seeing a pediatric orthopedic surgeon does not automatically mean the child needs surgery.

Many conditions are treated without an operation.

Observation

Certain developmental conditions improve naturally and only require monitoring.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may help improve:

• Strength

• Flexibility

• Balance

• Walking

• Joint movement

• Recovery after an injury or operation

Casting

Casts can be used for fractures and for gradual correction of deformities such as clubfoot.

Braces and Orthoses

Braces may be used for:

• Clubfoot

• Scoliosis

• Neuromuscular disorders

• Selected foot and limb problems

Guided Growth

Small implants can sometimes be used around a child's growth plate to gradually correct angular deformities such as significant knock knees while the child continues growing.

Surgery

Surgery may be required for conditions such as:

• Severely displaced fractures

• Progressive limb deformities

• Significant hip dysplasia

• Certain cerebral palsy-related deformities

• Severe scoliosis

• SCFE

• Complex congenital limb abnormalities

The aim of treatment is generally to achieve the safest possible correction while preserving growth and function.

When Should Parents Consult a Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist?

Consider consulting a pediatric orthopedic doctor when your child has:

• A visible limb deformity

• Persistent limping

• Recurrent bone or joint pain

• A suspected fracture

• Bow legs or knock knees that appear excessive

• A foot turned inward or outward

• Significant flat-foot pain

• Unequal leg lengths

• An abnormal walking pattern

• Persistent toe walking

• Uneven shoulders or suspected scoliosis

• Hip movement abnormalities in infancy

• Orthopedic difficulties associated with cerebral palsy

Early assessment does not necessarily mean early surgery.

In many pediatric orthopedic conditions, early diagnosis actually increases the possibility of simpler, non-surgical treatment.

Pediatric Orthopedic Doctors in Kolkata

The following names are provided for informational purposes rather than as a ranking of the “best” pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Affiliations and consultation schedules may change, so parents should confirm directly with the hospital before visiting.

Dr. Soumya Paik — Pediatric Orthopedics

Dr. Soumya Paik is a pediatric orthopedic specialist currently listed by both Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals and Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre.

His qualifications include MBBS, MS Orthopaedics and DNB Orthopaedics, and Neotia lists his Fellowship in Pediatric Orthopaedics from the National University Hospital, Singapore. Apollo currently lists more than 15 years of experience in pediatric orthopedics. (Apollo Hospitals)

His clinical work includes congenital deformities, pediatric trauma and other musculoskeletal problems affecting growing children.

He also runs Kids Orthopedic Clinic: Dr. Soumya Paik in New Town. His clinic information lists services covering fractures, clubfoot, newborn orthopedic screening, bow legs, knock knees and other pediatric musculoskeletal disorders. (Kids Orthopedic Clinic)

Dr. Abhishek Nandi — Pediatric Orthopedics

Dr. Abhishek Nandi is currently listed in pediatric orthopedics by Apollo, Desun Hospital and Neotia Bhagirathi.

Apollo lists his training as MS Orthopaedics from JIPMER, Fellowship in Pediatric Orthopaedics from CMC Vellore, followed by postdoctoral pediatric orthopedic training.

His listed clinical areas include:

• Pediatric fractures

• Bone and joint infections

• Deformity correction

• Bone tumours

• Cerebral palsy

• Limb reconstruction

(Apollo Hospitals)

Dr. Abhishek NK Saha — Pediatric Orthopedics

Dr. Abhishek NK Saha is listed as Consultant – Paediatric Orthopaedic Specialist at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur.

His qualifications listed by Manipal include MBBS, DNB Orthopaedics, Diploma in Orthopaedics and MS Orthopaedics, along with pediatric orthopedic fellowship training.

Manipal lists areas of work including:

• Cerebral palsy

• Limb lengthening

• Complex pediatric orthopedic surgery

• Pediatric hip and knee problems

(Manipal Hospitals)

Dr. Suhas Ranjan Bala — Pediatric Orthopedics

Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre, New Town currently lists Dr. Suhas Ranjan Bala under Pediatric Orthopaedics, with qualifications including MBBS, D.Ortho and MS Orthopaedics. (Neotia Hospital)

Pediatric Orthopedic Hospitals in Kolkata

Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals

Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals

Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals Address: 58, Canal Circular Rd, Kadapara, Phoolbagan, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India

Apollo's children's centre provides multiple pediatric specialties under one roof, including Pediatric Orthopaedics, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Surgery, Neonatal Medicine and Pediatric Intensive Care. (Apollo Hospitals)

This multidisciplinary setup can be particularly useful when a child's orthopedic problem is connected with another medical or neurological condition.

Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre, New Town

Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre, New Town

Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre, New Town Web Address: Street No: 327, Premises No. 27-0327, Plot No: DG-20/17 & DG-20/21, Action Area 1D, Kolkata, West Bengal 700156, India Phone: +913366405000

Its pediatric orthopedic service lists dedicated care for:

• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

• Cerebral palsy

• Neuromuscular disorders

• Pediatric bone and soft-tissue tumours

• SCFE

• Perthes disease

• Scoliosis

• Congenital limb and foot deformities

• Skeletal dysplasia

(Neotia Hospital)

Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur

Manipal Hospitals - Mukundapur

Manipal Hospitals - Mukundapur Web Address: 223 & 230, Pano Rd, behind Metro Cash & Carry, Purba Jadavpur, Landmark:, Kolkata, West Bengal 700099, India Phone: +913369070000

Manipal Hospitals Mukundapur provides pediatric orthopedics within its wider pediatric and orthopedic services.

Its orthopedic programme lists fracture management, pediatric orthopedics, deformity correction, sports medicine and rehabilitation, while its pediatric department supports multidisciplinary child care. (Manipal Hospitals)

Desun Hospital

Desun Hospital

Desun Hospital Web Address: Desun More, 720, Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Golpark, Sector I, Kasba, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107, India Phone: +919051715171

Desun Hospital currently lists a dedicated Pediatric Orthopaedics service, including Dr. Abhishek Nandi as Consultant – Pediatric Orthopaedics. (Desun Hospital)

What Should Parents Look for When Choosing a Pediatric Orthopedic Doctor?

Instead of searching only for the phrase “best pediatric orthopedic doctor in Kolkata,” parents should consider the child's specific problem.

Ask whether the doctor has experience treating:

• Clubfoot

• Pediatric fractures

• Hip dysplasia

• Cerebral palsy

• Limb deformity

• Scoliosis

• Sports injuries

• Complex hip disorders

• Limb reconstruction

For complicated cases, a hospital with access to pediatric anesthesia, pediatric intensive care, imaging and rehabilitation can also be important.

When Is a Child's Orthopedic Problem an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical care if a child has:

A severely deformed limb after an injury

A bone visible through the skin

A hand or foot that becomes pale, blue or cold after an injury

Loss of sensation or movement after a fracture

Severe swelling and uncontrollable pain

Fever together with a swollen, painful joint

Sudden inability to stand or walk

Severe hip pain in an adolescent

Back pain associated with weakness, numbness or bladder/bowel problems

These symptoms should not wait for a routine clinic appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bow legs normal in babies?

Some degree of bowing is common during infancy and often improves as the child develops. Severe, asymmetric or persistent bowing should be assessed by a specialist.

Does every child with flat feet need special shoes?

No. Many children have painless flexible flat feet that require no treatment. Persistent pain, stiffness or abnormal walking should be evaluated.

Can clubfoot be treated without major surgery?

Many babies with idiopathic clubfoot can be successfully treated using the Ponseti method involving serial casting, usually followed by Achilles tenotomy and bracing. (POSNA)

Can children's fractures heal without surgery?

Many can, but treatment depends on the child's age and type of fracture. Some displaced or growth-plate-related fractures require reduction or surgical stabilization.

Can scoliosis be corrected with exercise alone?

Exercise may help general strength and conditioning, but it does not replace specialist monitoring or bracing when these are medically indicated. Significant progressive scoliosis can sometimes require surgery. (OrthoInfo)

Why does my child have knee pain when the X-ray of the knee is normal?

In children, pain can sometimes be referred from the hip to the knee. Conditions such as Perthes disease or SCFE may therefore need to be considered, especially if the child is limping.

At what age should clubfoot treatment start?

Clubfoot is generally assessed and treated early in infancy. Early specialist referral is advisable rather than waiting for the child to begin walking.

Is pediatric orthopedic surgery always necessary for deformities?

No. Treatment may include observation, physiotherapy, braces, casting or guided-growth techniques. Surgery is used when appropriate for the child's condition and severity.

Final Takeaway

Children are constantly growing, which means orthopedic problems must be understood differently from adult bone and joint disorders.

Some conditions—such as mild bow legs or flexible flat feet—may be part of normal development.

Others, including clubfoot, developmental hip dysplasia, displaced fractures, scoliosis, SCFE, bone infections and significant limb deformities, can benefit substantially from early diagnosis and specialist treatment.

Kolkata now has several hospitals and specialists providing dedicated pediatric orthopedic services ranging from newborn screening and Ponseti casting to deformity correction, fracture surgery, cerebral palsy management and complex limb reconstruction.

For parents, the most important rule is simple:

If a child has persistent pain, abnormal walking, a visible deformity or difficulty using an arm or leg, don't rely only on the hope that the child will “grow out of it.” A timely pediatric orthopedic assessment can clarify whether treatment is actually necessary.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general health education and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a pediatric orthopedic specialist. Treatment depends on the child's age, diagnosis, growth remaining, clinical examination and investigations. Doctor and hospital affiliations were checked against current official sources in September 2026 and can change.