Addressing Growth-Related Bone Issues

“Unlike adults, children are still growing, and their bones, muscles, and joints are more susceptible to unique conditions that can affect development”, explains Dr Ankit Dave — one of the best orthopaedic surgeons in Nairobi. As children grow, they may encounter bone-related challenges, from congenital (present at birth) deformities to injuries and growth-related abnormalities. This blog will explore common growth-related bone issues, how they’re managed in orthopedics, and the impact these treatments have on a child’s health and future development.

Children’s bones are actively growing, making them more flexible and able to heal faster than adult bones. However, this growth process also introduces specific challenges. Growth plates, the areas of developing cartilage at the ends of long bones, are particularly vulnerable to injury, and trauma to these areas can affect a child’s growth trajectory. The orthopedic specialists focus on conditions that impact growth, ensuring that any intervention is both effective and minimally disruptive to the natural growth process.

Common Growth-Related Bone IssuesGrowth Plate Injuries

Growth plates are essential for determining the future length and shape of bones. An injury to these areas can result from trauma, such as falls, sports accidents, or other physical activities. Growth plate fractures, if untreated or improperly managed, can lead to uneven growth, deformity, or early closure of the growth plate, which can cause one limb to be shorter than the other. It is advisable to consult the best doctor for sports injury in Nairobi in such cases.

• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and inability to move the affected limb.
• Treatment: Non-surgical methods such as casting are usually effective, but severe cases may require surgery to realign the growth plate and ensure proper healing.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

DDH is a condition where a child’s hip joint doesn’t develop properly, causing the hip to be dislocated or prone to dislocation. If undiagnosed, DDH can lead to hip problems later in life, such as arthritis or chronic pain.

• Symptoms: Limited mobility in one leg, uneven skin folds on the thighs, or a noticeable limp.
• Treatment: Early detection is critical, and treatments can include bracing or a harness for infants. Older children may need corrective surgery to stabilize the hip joint.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, which typically develops during the growth spurts of adolescence. While mild cases may not cause symptoms, severe scoliosis can impact lung function and lead to chronic pain if untreated.

• Symptoms: Uneven shoulders or waist, one hip higher than the other, or a visible curve in the spine.
• Treatment: Bracing is effective in milder cases to stop further curvature, while surgery may be recommended for severe cases to correct the alignment and stabilize the spine.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

This condition is common in children and adolescents, especially those involved in sports that require jumping or running. Osgood-Schlatter disease causes pain and swelling below the knee, where the tendon from the kneecap attaches to the shinbone. It occurs because the bones are growing faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, leading to stress on the attachment point.

• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and tenderness below the knee that worsens with activity.
• Treatment: Rest, ice, and physical therapy exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles. The symptoms usually resolve once growth slows down.

Blount’s Disease

Blount’s disease is a growth disorder affecting the shinbone, causing the legs to bow outward. While bowing of the legs is common in toddlers, Blount’s disease is more severe and may worsen over time if left untreated, leading to deformity and pain in adulthood.

• Symptoms: Bowing of one or both legs, pain, and difficulty walking.
• Treatment: Bracing in young children can often correct the issue, while older children may need corrective surgery to straighten the legs.

The Role of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is integral to both prevention and recovery in pediatric orthopedics. Exercises tailored to a child’s age and condition can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent future injuries. For children recovering from fractures, surgery, or other orthopedic treatments, physical therapy aids in restoring mobility and helps them return to daily activities and sports safely.

Final Thoughts

Pediatric orthopedics plays a vital role in managing and preventing growth-related bone issues, ensuring that children and adolescents can grow healthily and lead active lives. Early diagnosis, effective treatment, and regular follow-up from the best orthopaedic surgeon in Nairobi are essential to avoid long-term complications that can affect a child’s quality of life. For parents, awareness of common growth-related conditions and partnering with a pediatric orthopedic specialist can make a significant difference in their child’s lifelong health and mobility.