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Ballarat Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine - Paediatric Orthopaedics Specialists
USEFUL INFORMATION
Orthopaedic Information
Fracture of the Clavicle (collar bone)
Your child has a fractured clavicle (collar bone). The fracture generally occurs in the middle of the bone. These fractures heal well with rest and time. An arm sling should be worn for comfort for two to three weeks. Simple pain medication is often needed, and should be given regularly until comfortable. Never exceed the recommended dose.
Encourage your child to move the elbow, hand and fingers. Gentle shoulder movement can begin when the sling is removed. Most clavicle fractures are undisplaced. This means that the bone remains correctly aligned.
Children under eleven years with undisplaced clavicle bone fractures do not require follow-up with a doctor or x-ray. Children over eleven years, and those who have a displaced fracture, will be reviewed in the fracture clinic or with the GP in one week. You will be advised if your child requires additional appointments.
Fractures of the Wrist
Wrist fractures in children Wrist fractures are common injuries of childhood. There are two bones in the forearm—the radius and the ulna. One or both bones may be broken. An x-ray helps the doctor to decide how the fracture should be treated. Sometimes the bones may need to be put back into position by the doctor in the emergency department or operating theatre.
Your child will need a cast to support and protect the bones while the fracture heals. Some pain is expected in the first days after the injury. Give paracetamol (e.g. Panadol™) as directed. Rest is important. An arm sling is helpful for the first week. Elevate your child’s wrist with pillows both day and night for the first two days, then overnight.
Buckle Injuries of the Wrist
A buckle injury of the wrist is a small area of compressed bone. The wrist may be tender, slightly swollen, and painful to move. The injury may be difficult to see on x-ray. There is no deformity. This injury is treated by wearing a removable back slab or ready-made splint which can be removed for bathing or showering. An arm sling is optional for comfort.
Pain is usually not severe and should be managed with a simple pain medication such as paracetamol (e.g. Panadol™). Give as needed following the directions on the packet, or as directed by your child’s doctor. Since these injuries are stable and heal quickly without problems, x-ray or follow-up appointment with the GP, fracture clinic or physiotherapy is usually not required.
Supracondylar Elbow Fracture (undisplaced)
Your child has a simple fracture just above the elbow. These elbow fractures require only a backslab (partial cast) and sling. The backslab and sling should be placed under loose fitting clothing, not through the sleeve (Figure 1).
The first days In the first few days there may be swelling of the elbow, hand and fingers. During this time it is important to rest as much as possible with the elbow and hand supported on pillows (elbow and hand above the heart). The sling may be removed when your child is lying down.
Encourage your child to bend and straighten the fingers regularly. Check their fingers often for movement, feeling and circulation. The elbow will be painful initially. Give a simple pain medication such as paracetamol (e.g. Panadol™) as needed following the directions on the packet, or as directed by your doctor.
Good Posture and Spine Care in Children
- Their activity levels
- Their age and gender
- Their self confidence
- Their height and weight
- Seating equipment at school and home
- the weight and size of their school bag
Brace Treatment for DDH (Developmental dysplasia of the hip)
Babies with developmental DDH are generally referred to a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon or paediatrician. The way DDH is treated depends on the child’s age and the severity of the condition.
Infants with very mild or borderline DDH may be monitored with a follow hip ultrasound and clinical examination in around six weeks.
Developmental Dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
DDH is a condition that affects the hip joint in babies and young children. The hip is a ball-and-socket type joint, formed by the round ‘head of femur’ and a cup-shaped socket (acetabulum).
The normal infant hip is not mature at birth but develops into a strong and stable joint as the child grows. In DDH the hip does not develop normally.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a common cause of pain in the front of the knee in late childhood and early adolescence. It is more common in boys. One or both knees may be affected.
The condition often occurs in children who are highly active, particularly in sports involving running and jumping.
Bow Legs and Knock Knees in Children
Bow legs and knock knees are a normal part of a child’s growth.
Bow Legs
It is normal for infants to be born with bow legs. Bow legs may become more obvious in toddlers as they begin to walk. In most children the legs disappear without treatment.
Knock Knees
Knock Knees are common in children between the ages of three and five. In most children the legs gradually straighten.
Intoeing in Children
Sever’s Disease
Curly Toe
Shoes for Young Children
Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus)
Positional Talipes
Metatarsus Adductus
Leading Injury Treatments & Surgeries in Ballarat
HANDS & WRISTS
- Arthritis Treatments
- Hand Injuries
- Wrist Injuries
- Fractures
- Chronic Wrist Pain
- Flexor & Extensor Tendon Injuries
- Osteoarthritis of the Hand
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome