About Pediatric Orthopedics
Pediatric Orthopedics is a reconstructive surgery, not an ablative one. It requires the power of creation and innovation. That makes it one of the fine arts of surgery. Apart from following the rules, there are some instances where one is confronted with an on-table problem, as in limb reconstruction for deficient parts. My professor used to say “Orthopedic surgeons are fine carpenters”, this may apply to fracture management, not to pediatric orthopedics. I see the pediatric orthopedic surgeon with his fine osteotome and hammer, as a sculptor using his vivid imagination and his experienced hands to reshape a deformed bone. When you review the literature, you will come across some ingenious ideas that evolved from genius brains, solving some problematic complicated deformities.
Areas of Interest
Limb reconstruction (Ilizarov techniques)
Pediatric hand problems (congenital, brachial plexus palsy)
Sequelae of Brachial Plexus palsy (Shoulder, elbow and hand reconstruction)
Complecated foot problems
State of the Art
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
One of the challenging problems specially when neglected. Hip reconstruction up to the age of 10-12 years is still possible.
The Severe Flexible Flat Foot
This problem should be managed in teenagers. Neglection carries the risk of endless complaints from a severely painful stiff foot. A reconstructive procedure is available.
Cerebral Palsy
Surgery… specially multilevel surgery is possible. This will help the kid to take a step forward, improving his assets avoiding complications of bed or chair confined children. Surgery can help physiotherapy. For the upper limb tendon transfer solve many problem.
Sequelae of Septic Hip Epiphysitis
Complicated hip problems following septic epiphysitis in the new born is a big challenge. Dislocation and femoral head deformities can be managed by different procedures.