Paediatrics Flashcards
What is clubfoot (tapes equinovarus)?
Babies are born with feet facing down and inward with the soles facing laterally
Describe how the Ponseti method treats clubfoot
The foot is manipulated into a better position and then cast for 5-8 weeks. The process is repeated until the foot is in a normal position. The method work better if the Achilles tendon is cut.
What is developmental dysplasia of the hip?
The hip joint is not formed properly in children so the joint is unstable and can easily dislocate.
Which hip is DDH more common in?
Left hip
Give 3 risk factors for DDH in children
Female Family history of hip problems Born in the breech position Twins or multiple births Premature birth
How is DDH diagnosed?
Hip check within 72 hours of birth
Hip check at 6-8 weeks old
Ultrasound scan
X-ray
How is DDH treated if it is detected early?
Babies can wear a Pavlik harness which secures the hip in an adducted position and allows them to develop normally without the risk of dislocation
If DDH is not detected detected before 6 months old, how is it treated?
Surgery to reduce the dislocation
What happens if DDH is not treated?
Limp
Hip pain
Osteoarthritis
What are flat feet?
Feet where the arches do not form normally so are low or non-existent.
What serious conditions can flat feet be associated with?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Cerebral palsy
Spina bifida
Muscular dystrophy
What is first line treatment for flat feet?
Well-fitting shoes
Specially-made insoles
Losing weight
Physiotherapy (if causing pain to hip and knees)
What is Perthes Disease?
Blood supply to the growth plate at the head of the femur is restricted and so necrosis of the femoral head occurs. Over time the blood vessels regrow and the bone is remodelled but it takes several years to resolve.
What are the symptoms of Perthes disease?
Hip or groin pain
Limp
Wasting of the hip and thigh muscles
How is Perthes disease treated?
Can be given a cast or brace to support hip
Normally just have to rest limb
