Common childhood skeletal problems

Question 1

Skull

Answer 1

1. Craniosynostosis
Premature closure of sutures
Irregular growth of skull
\+Suture ridging
Surgical correction if multiple
2. Plagiocephaly
Asymmetry of skull
Normal HC
Usually corrects in first few years

Question 2

Chest

Answer 2

1. Pectus carinatum
2. Pectus excavatum
   Adolescence
   Distress
   May have surgical correction

Question 3

Arms and hands

Answer 3

1. Absent/extras seen

2. Can be linked to other malformations ->VACTERL

Question 4

Legs

Answer 4

1. Bow legged->Genu varum
2. Knock-kneed->Genu valgum
   Common in preschool children
   Usually resolves itself
   If extreme bowed->vit D deficiency (Rickets)

Question 5

Spine

Answer 5

1. Spina bifida
Neurological impairment
Movement and continence
Linked with hydrocephalus
2. Scoliosis
Growing adolescentc
Children w/ NM disorders
Splinting/surgery may be needed

Question 6

Hip

Answer 6

1. Congenital dysplasia of the hips
Female, breech, first born
Screening
Repeat until walking
2. Perthes
3. Slipped epiphyses

Question 7

Feet

Answer 7

1. Talipes equinovarus
   Common in newborns as transient
   Rarely needs correcting
   PhysioT and surgery if persistent

Question 8

Toe walking

Answer 8

1. Common behavioural habit
2. Usually have normal legs
3. Can be a sign of diplegic cerebral palsy

Question 9

Flat feet

Answer 9

1. Common in toddlers
2. Does not impair walking
3. In older, may cause knee pain
4. Podiatrist to correct with supportive instep