Pediatric Orthopedic: What It Is & How Children’s Bone and Joint Problems Are Diagnosed and Treated
By Dr. Snehal Dalal – Pediatric Orthopedic & Spine Specialist
What Is Pediatric Orthopedics?
Pediatric orthopedics is a specialized branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing bone, muscle, and joint problems in infants, children, and adolescents. These conditions may be present from birth, develop as a child grows, or occur suddenly due to falls, injuries, or sports activities. A pediatric orthopedic specialist like Dr. Snehal Dalal provides expert care using childfriendly examination methods, customized exercises, supportive devices (braces, casts), and when required, surgical correction. The goal is simple—to help your child move better, grow normally, and live pain-free.
About Pediatric Orthopedics
Pediatric orthopedics covers a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal
system of children — including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Whether a child has a developmental issue, an injury, or a genetic disorder, Dr. Shrikant
Dalal & Dr. Snehal Dalal offers comprehensive evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and
personalized treatment to ensure healthy growth and mobility.
Common Pediatric Orthopedic Conditions
Here are some of the most frequently treated orthopedic problems in children:
1) Clubfoot
A condition where a newborn’s foot turns inward or downward. Early treatment with gentle casting, bracing, and sometimes surgery helps correct the deformity effectively.
2) Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
The hip joint doesn’t form correctly in babies. Early detection is crucial to prevent lifelong complications. Treatment may include bracing or surgical correction depending on severity.
3) Scoliosis
Sideways curvature of the spine that may worsen as children grow. Management includes:
• Observation
• Bracing
• Surgery for advanced curves
4) Fractures / Broken Bones
Kids often break bones due to falls or sports injuries. Treatment ranges from plaster casts to surgical fixation, depending on the fracture type.
5) Leg Length Discrepancy
When one leg is longer than the other, it may affect walking. Treatment options include
special footwear, shoe inserts, growth modulation, or surgical correction.
6) Muscular Dystrophy
A group of genetic disorders causing progressive muscle weakness. Management requires physiotherapy, medications, and supportive care to maintain mobility.
7) Osgood–Schlatter Disease
A common cause of knee pain in active teenagers due to stress on the growth plate. Rest and physiotherapy help relieve symptoms.
8) Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Causes joint inflammation, swelling, and stiffness in children. Treatment includes
medications, therapy, and sometimes joint injections.
9) Pediatric Sports Injuries
Sprains, ligament injuries, cartilage injuries, and overuse problems are handled with rest, physiotherapy, and surgical repair if necessary.
10) Toe Walking
If persistent, toe walking may require therapy, splinting, or evaluation for underlying
conditions.
Early evaluation by Dr. Shrikant Dalal & Dr. Snehal Dalal ensures proper management so children can achieve normal growth milestones and stay active.
Diagnosis of Orthopedic Conditions in Children
Children often cannot explain pain accurately, which is why evaluation by a trained
pediatric orthopedist is essential.
Dr. Shrikant Dalal uses a child-centered approach that may include:
• Physical examination
• Functional movement tests
• Reflex & sensory assessment
• X-rays
• Ultrasound for musculoskeletal evaluation
• MRI or CT scan (if needed)
• Lab tests for inflammatory or genetic conditions
Accurate diagnosis allows for safe and effective treatment planning.
Management & Treatment of Pediatric Orthopedic Disorders
The treatment plan depends on the child’s condition, medical history, age, and severity of symptoms.
Treatment options include:
• Observation & monitoring
• Medications for pain, swelling, or inflammation
• Bracing, casting, splints, and orthotic devices
• Physiotherapy to improve mobility
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Corrective surgery for deformities or structural problems
In many cases, Dr. Dalal combines multiple therapies to ensure complete, long-term
recovery for your child.
Looking for the Best Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon in Pune? Contact Dr.
Snehal Dalal & Dr. Shrikant Dalal Today!!!