Orthopaedics · Jaipur Hospital
Paediatric Orthopaedics in Jaipur
Your child has a bone or joint problem. We give you a clear assessment and a simple plan.
- Serving Jaipur since 1991 (35 years)
- NABH accredited
- 24×7 emergency & ICU
- Cashless: RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS + 22 insurers
- Procedure time
- 1 to 3 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia
- Recovery
- Return to school in 2 to 4 weeks
- Price
- ₹50,000 to ₹2,50,000typical range in India; ask us for an estimate
When your child cannot move freely
Your child limps, has uneven limbs, or a curved spine
You notice your child walking differently, complaining of pain, or sitting unevenly. You worry the problem will get worse as they grow and affect their future.
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Clubfoot or twisted foot
A foot turns inward at birth, making walking hard later if not corrected early.
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Hip dysplasia (DDH)
The hip socket does not cover the ball properly, risking dislocation and arthritis.
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Limb length difference
One leg or arm grows shorter, causing a limp, back pain, or trouble with daily tasks.
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Cerebral palsy stiffness
Tight muscles pull bones out of line, making standing or walking difficult.
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Scoliosis (curved spine)
The spine curves sideways, often during a growth spurt, and may worsen without care.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a Cobb angle of 10° or more is the most common paediatric skeletal disease.
Why Jaipur Hospital
You lie awake wondering if your child will run, play, and go to school like other children.
Your care plan
Your first steps with us
- 1 Call or visit OPD for a surgeon consultation
- 2 Get scans and tests done in-house if needed
- 3 Review the treatment plan and cost estimate
- 4 Have surgery or therapy and attend follow-ups
How the operation is done
Surgery is done under general anaesthesia and usually takes one to three hours. Your child typically stays one to three nights. The surgeon chooses the method based on your child's age and condition.
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Clubfoot Correction (Ponseti/Surgery)
Serial casting gently stretches the foot weekly; a minor tendon release may follow if needed.
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DDH Treatment (Pavlik/Osteotomy)
A Pavlik harness holds the hip in place for infants; older children may need bone surgery to reshape the socket.
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Limb Lengthening/Deformity Correction
An external fixator or internal nail slowly lengthens the bone or straightens it over weeks.
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Cerebral Palsy Orthopaedics
Tendon transfers and bone cuts rebalance muscles, improve alignment, and help with standing or walking.
Why patients trust us
- 1991 Serving Jaipur for 35 years
- NABH Accredited hospital
- 5 Orthopaedics consultants
- 24×7 Emergency, ICU and ambulance
- 25 Cashless schemes and insurers
What research shows about these treatments
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72% treatment success with bracing
In a combined analysis, 72% of braced patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis avoided surgery versus 48% with observation.
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Success rises with brace hours
More hours of brace wear each day were linked to a higher chance of stopping curve progression in adolescents.
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Outcomes worsen with delayed DDH care
Studies show hip dysplasia outcomes deteriorate the longer treatment is delayed after diagnosis.
If it is left untreated
Untreated severe spinal curves can limit chest capacity and exercise ability in adulthood. Uncorrected hip dysplasia may lead to abnormal gait, weakness, and early joint degeneration.
Life after treatment
Most children return to school within two to four weeks and resume normal activities as they heal.
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Walk and play again
Most children regain normal walking and running after recovery and physiotherapy.
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Straighten as they grow
Corrected bones and joints usually grow in better alignment with regular follow-up.
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Less pain and stiffness
Muscle releases and realignment typically reduce daily discomfort and spasms.
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Return to school routine
Most children are back in class within a few weeks with the doctor's clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about paediatric orthopaedics
Which problems are assessed under paediatric orthopaedics?
In short
Paediatric orthopaedics at Jaipur Hospital covers musculoskeletal conditions in children from birth to adolescence. Common problems include congenital deformities like clubfoot and hip dysplasia, limb length differences, spinal curves such as scoliosis, and orthopaedic issues linked to cerebral palsy. Fractures, infections, and gait abnormalities are also evaluated.
In detail
The service addresses structural and functional disorders of bones, joints, and muscles in growing children. Evidence shows conditions like adolescent idiopathic scoliosis affect 1 to 3 percent of adolescents, with higher progression risk during growth spurts.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip, if missed early, can lead to abnormal gait and early joint degeneration. Cerebral palsy orthopaedics focuses on spasticity management through tendon transfers and osteotomies. Clubfoot correction uses serial casting or tendon release. Each condition is assessed for severity, growth remaining, and impact on function.
A common belief
Many parents think only obvious injuries need a specialist.
What actually happens
In reality, subtle signs like a slight limp, uneven shoulders, or a foot turning in can point to conditions that worsen with growth if missed early.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you notice any unusual posture, limp, or asymmetry in your child, book a consultation at Jaipur Hospital. The surgeon will examine your child, review growth history, and advise on imaging or further tests. Early assessment allows timely intervention when it matters most. Contact the OPD to schedule a visit.
How will the doctor decide which tests my child needs?
In short
The surgeon at Jaipur Hospital selects tests based on the suspected condition, your child's age, and the physical examination findings. For hip dysplasia in infants, ultrasound is standard up to six months; after that, X-ray is used. For scoliosis, a standing full-spine X-ray measures the Cobb angle. For limb deformity, long-leg alignment views are taken. MRI or CT is reserved for complex anatomy or suspected spinal cord involvement.
In detail
Evidence supports using the lowest radiation approach that answers the clinical question. Ultrasound avoids radiation in babies. The Scoliosis Research Society confirms diagnosis with a Cobb angle of 10 degrees or more on radiograph.
For developmental dysplasia of the hip, radiography and ultrasonography confirm the diagnosis. MRI is not routine for initial screening but may be needed for preoperative planning in cerebral palsy or congenital spinal anomalies. The surgeon follows the principle of imaging only when it changes management, avoiding unnecessary exposure in growing children.
A common belief
Some parents ask for an MRI straight away, thinking it shows everything.
What actually happens
In children, simple X-rays or ultrasound often give the answer with far less radiation and no need for sedation.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Most basic imaging is available in-house and can be done on the same day. MRI or CT may need a separate slot. The surgeon will explain why each test is ordered and what it will show.
Results are typically discussed at a follow-up visit within a week. Ask the team at Jaipur Hospital to schedule the consultation and any required imaging together.
How soon should my child expect improvement after the chosen paediatric orthopaedic treatment?
In short
The timeline for improvement after paediatric orthopaedic treatment at Jaipur Hospital varies widely depending on the procedure and the condition. For surgical procedures, the hospital stay is typically one to three nights and return to school usually occurs within two to four weeks. However, full functional recovery, bone healing or correction of deformity can take several months. Your surgeon will give a specific timeline based on the exact operation performed.
In detail
Evidence indicates that recovery milestones differ by procedure. After clubfoot correction, whether by Ponseti casting or tendon release, the foot is immobilised in a cast for several weeks followed by bracing for years to maintain correction.
For developmental dysplasia of the hip, after open reduction and osteotomy, a spica cast is typically worn for six to twelve weeks before gradual mobilisation.
Limb lengthening with an external fixator or intramedullary nail involves a distraction phase of weeks to months followed by a consolidation phase that can last twice as long.
Cerebral palsy procedures such as tendon transfers require protected weight-bearing and intensive physiotherapy for months to regain strength and motor control. In scoliosis surgery, fusion mass solidification takes six to twelve months.
Our usual protocols note a typical return to school in two to four weeks, but sports and heavy activity are restricted for longer. Complications such as pin-site infection in external fixation or implant prominence can extend recovery.
A common belief
Parents often expect a quick fix.
What actually happens
In reality, the surgery is only the start. The real work happens in the months after with casts, braces, fixators and daily exercises. Missing physiotherapy or removing a brace early can undo the correction. The timeline is long because bones and soft tissues need time to heal and remodel while the child is still growing.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
After discharge, you will receive a detailed rehabilitation plan including wound care, activity restrictions, physiotherapy appointments and follow-up imaging schedules. An attendant should be available to assist the child at home during the initial weeks. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor healing and adjust the plan.
How does the term "paediatric orthopaedics" relate to paediatric orthopaedics?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, the two spellings refer to the same medical specialty. "Paediatric orthopaedics" follows British English conventions used in India, while "paediatric orthopaedics" is the American English spelling. Both describe the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in children, from newborns to adolescents.
In detail
The department at Jaipur Hospital manages the full spectrum of paediatric orthopaedic conditions listed in our service scope.
This includes congenital deformities such as clubfoot and developmental dysplasia of the hip, growth-related issues like limb length discrepancy and angular deformities, neuromuscular conditions including cerebral palsy orthopaedics, and spinal deformities such as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
The spelling difference does not reflect any difference in training, techniques, or standards of care. Our surgeons are trained in Indian and international fellowship programmes and use the same evidence-based protocols regardless of the spelling used in correspondence or insurance forms. The hospital's NABH accreditation applies to the department under either name.
A common belief
Some parents think the spelling indicates a different level of care or a subspecialty.
What actually happens
It does not. The doctors, operations, and hospital standards are identical.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
When searching for information or filling forms, you may see either spelling. Both are correct. If you have a referral or insurance authorisation using one spelling, it is valid for our department. Bring any documents to your OPD visit.
Is this change part of normal growth or does it need treatment?
In short
Some variations like mild in-toeing or flexible flat feet are normal developmental phases. Structural scoliosis with a Cobb angle of 10 degrees or more, hip dysplasia, or fixed limb deformities are not normal and need evaluation. At Jaipur Hospital, the team distinguishes physiological variants from conditions requiring intervention.
In detail
Evidence shows idiopathic scoliosis occurs in otherwise healthy children but can progress during rapid growth. Mild scoliosis is often asymptomatic, but curves progress in about two-thirds of patients before skeletal maturity. Developmental dysplasia of the hip is a structural abnormality, not a normal variant.
Clubfoot is a congenital deformity needing correction. The forward bend test and scoliometer screening help identify structural curves that warrant X-ray confirmation.
A common belief
Many parents are told "they will grow out of it." While some rotational variations do resolve, structural scoliosis and hip dysplasia do not.
What actually happens
Delaying evaluation can miss the window for simpler non-surgical treatment.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you notice asymmetry, limping, or a curve that worsens, seek assessment. The surgeon will examine growth plates, measure angles, and advise on observation, bracing, or surgery.
How can my child decide whether to seek advice about clubfoot Ponseti treatment?
In short
You should seek advice about clubfoot Ponseti treatment if your baby is born with a foot that turns inward and downward. Jaipur Hospital evaluates newborns soon after birth to confirm the diagnosis. Early assessment helps the team plan serial casting or a minor tendon release if needed.
In detail
Clubfoot, or congenital talipes equinovarus, is a structural deformity present at birth. The Ponseti method uses weekly serial casts to gradually correct the foot position, followed by a small Achilles tendon release in most cases.
Evidence shows that starting treatment within the first few weeks of life gives the highest correction rates and reduces the need for more extensive surgery later. If casting alone does not fully correct the deformity, a limited surgical release may be performed. The condition does not resolve on its own, so timely evaluation is important.
A common belief
Some families wait, hoping the foot will straighten on its own.
What actually happens
Clubfoot is a structural problem that does not self-correct. Delaying makes casting harder and may lead to more surgery later.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Bring your baby to the paediatric orthopaedic OPD within the first one to two weeks after birth. The surgeon will examine the foot, order any needed imaging, and explain the casting schedule. Treatment usually involves weekly visits for four to eight weeks.
Will physiotherapy, a brace, or an aid be useful as part of care?
In short
Yes, physiotherapy, bracing, or walking aids are commonly part of paediatric orthopaedic care at Jaipur Hospital. Their use depends on the diagnosis, treatment stage, and your child's functional needs. The team prescribes them to protect surgical correction, maintain range of motion, and support safe mobility during recovery.
In detail
In clubfoot, a foot abduction brace is essential after casting to prevent relapse, typically worn full-time for three months then at night for several years. In DDH, an abduction brace maintains hip reduction in infants.
After limb lengthening or deformity correction, daily physiotherapy preserves joint motion while the bone lengthens; walkers or crutches offload the limb during consolidation. For cerebral palsy, post-operative therapy retrains movement patterns after tendon transfers or osteotomies.
In Perthes disease, therapy maintains hip abduction and rotation during containment. Evidence supports that adherence to bracing protocols and structured physiotherapy improves long-term outcomes and reduces complications such as joint stiffness or recurrence. The physiotherapy department works closely with the surgical team to tailor protocols.
A common belief
Families sometimes stop bracing early because the child fusses, or skip exercises when life gets busy.
What actually happens
In clubfoot, stopping the brace early leads to relapse in most cases. In limb lengthening, missing therapy causes joint contractures that may need more surgery. Adherence determines the result.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
The surgeon and physiotherapist will demonstrate the brace fitting, exercise programme, and aid usage before discharge. You will receive a home schedule and follow-up dates for adjustments. Consistent use is critical for success.
Which symptoms should prompt my child to see a specialist?
In short
You should seek a paediatric orthopaedic opinion at Jaipur Hospital if your child has a visible limb deformity, unequal leg lengths, persistent limp, difficulty bearing weight, restricted joint movement, asymmetry of the shoulders or waist, or pain that limits activity or wakes them at night. Delayed milestones like late walking also warrant review.
In detail
These signs may indicate underlying structural problems such as developmental dysplasia of the hip, clubfoot, limb length discrepancy, or early scoliosis.
Evidence shows that idiopathic scoliosis often appears during growth spurts at 6 to 24 months, 5 to 8 years, and puberty at 11 to 14 years. Curves progress most rapidly at the start of puberty.
Mild scoliosis is usually asymptomatic but may contribute to back pain. Hip dysplasia can present with limited abduction or a clicking hip. Early detection allows bracing or casting before surgery becomes necessary.
A common belief
Parents often dismiss a limp as growing pains or assume a curved spine will straighten on its own.
What actually happens
In reality, many conditions worsen silently during growth spurts and become harder to treat later.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Do not wait for the next routine check-up if you notice any of these signs. Book an OPD appointment for a focused examination. The surgeon will assess growth plates, joint stability, and alignment. Timely referral improves the range of treatment options.
How will the results change my child's care plan?
In short
Test results at Jaipur Hospital directly shape the treatment plan. A Cobb angle under 10 degrees usually means observation. Between 10 and 25 degrees in a growing child may lead to bracing. Over 25 to 30 degrees with growth remaining often needs brace trial. Curves above 40 to 50 degrees typically require surgical discussion. Hip ultrasound grades decide between brace, casting, or surgery.
In detail
Imaging quantifies severity and guides timing. For scoliosis, the Cobb angle, Risser sign, and Sanders score assess skeletal maturity and progression risk. Evidence shows bracing success correlates with hours worn and curve flexibility.
For limb lengthening, scanograms or long-leg X-rays measure the exact discrepancy to plan fixator or nail length. Cerebral palsy gait analysis may precede tendon transfer surgery. The surgeon integrates all data to match the intervention to your child's growth stage.
A common belief
Families sometimes think any abnormal finding means surgery.
What actually happens
Most children with mild findings only need monitoring. The surgeon uses growth plates and curve flexibility to choose the least invasive option that works.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
After results are ready, the surgeon explains the numbers, shows the images, and outlines options with expected timelines. You will know whether observation, bracing, therapy, or surgery is recommended and why. Follow-up intervals are set — typically every 4 to 6 months for growing children.
What should my child do if symptoms persist or worsen after paediatric orthopaedic treatment?
In short
If your child experiences increasing pain, swelling, redness, fever, numbness, loss of movement or any new deformity after paediatric orthopaedic treatment at Jaipur Hospital, contact the surgical team immediately or visit the 24-hour emergency department. Do not wait for the next scheduled appointment. Early reporting of complications such as infection, implant loosening, nerve irritation or loss of correction allows prompt intervention and better outcomes.
In detail
Evidence highlights specific warning signs for different procedures. After scoliosis surgery, new neurological symptoms, wound drainage or fever may indicate infection or implant failure.
In limb lengthening with external fixators, pin-site infections are common and present with increasing pain, redness or pus at pin sites; if untreated, they can lead to osteomyelitis.
For clubfoot, recurrence of the deformity during the bracing phase is a known risk and requires immediate brace adjustment or repeat casting. After hip osteotomy, increased hip pain, inability to bear weight or leg length discrepancy may signal non-union or avascular necrosis.
Cerebral palsy tendon transfers can fail if rehabilitation is inadequate, leading to recurrent contracture. The 24x7 emergency department at Jaipur Hospital has in-house imaging and laboratory services to evaluate these issues urgently. Your surgeon will provide a list of red-flag symptoms specific to your child's procedure before discharge.
A common belief
Some families think a little more pain is normal and wait too long.
What actually happens
But in children, infections or implant problems can escalate quickly. A pin-site infection in a fixator can become bone infection in days. A recurring clubfoot can become stiff again if not recast early. Nerve symptoms after spine surgery need immediate imaging. Acting fast protects the result of the surgery.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Keep the discharge summary and the surgeon's contact details accessible. Ensure the attendant knows the red-flag symptoms. If you are travelling or live far from Jaipur, identify a local facility for urgent assessment but inform our team immediately. Follow-up appointments are scheduled at regular intervals; do not skip them even if the child seems well.
FAQ library
Questions and answers about paediatric orthopaedics
When you contact us
Get a clear plan for your child
Contact Jaipur Hospital for an OPD consultation, in-house tests, a plain-word explanation of options, a cost estimate, cashless scheme help, and follow-up care.
- A consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon in the OPD
- Your scans and reports reviewed, with tests done in-house if you need them (laboratory, X-ray and imaging)
- Your options explained in plain words, including whether you need surgery at all
- A cost estimate before you decide
- Help with cashless treatment under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and empanelled insurers and TPAs
- Follow-up visits after your treatment
Overview
Paediatric Orthopaedics: what to know
What paediatric orthopaedics covers
Paediatric orthopaedics is the branch of medicine that deals with bones, joints, muscles and tendons in children from birth through adolescence. Children are not small adults; their skeletons are still growing, so injuries and deformities can affect growth plates and change how a limb develops.
At Jaipur Hospital our surgical team sees conditions that are present at birth, such as clubfoot or hip dysplasia, as well as problems that appear during growth, such as scoliosis or leg length difference. Cerebral palsy can also cause muscle tightness and bone deformities that need orthopaedic care. The goal of treatment is to restore function, allow normal growth and prevent long-term disability.
Common conditions treated in paediatric orthopaedics
- Clubfoot
- Foot turns inward and downward at birth
- Hip dysplasia
- Hip socket does not fully cover the thighbone ball
- Scoliosis
- Sideways spinal curve with rotation, Cobb angle 10 degrees or more
- Limb length discrepancy
- One leg or arm is shorter than the other
- Perthes disease
- Blood supply to hip ball is interrupted
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
- Ball at top of femur moves backward
Clubfoot, also called congenital talipes equinovarus, is a deformity where the foot turns inward and downward at birth. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) describes a spectrum of structural abnormalities where the hip socket does not completely cover the ball of the thighbone.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine with rotation; adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form and is defined by a Cobb angle of 10 degrees or more on X-ray. Limb length discrepancy means one leg or arm is shorter than the other. Cerebral palsy can lead to spastic muscles that pull joints out of alignment.
Other conditions include Perthes disease, where blood supply to the hip ball is interrupted, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis, where the ball at the top of the femur moves backward.
Symptoms and warning signs that need urgent care the same day
- Cannot bear weight on a leg
- Severe pain after a fall
- Obvious deformity of a limb
- Fever with a hot, swollen joint
Parents often notice:
- A limp
- Uneven shoulder heights
- A prominent shoulder blade
- A visible curve in the spine
A child may complain of hip, knee or back pain that comes and goes or appears suddenly after an injury. Stiffness in the hip, difficulty running or a leg that looks shorter than the other are also common.
In infants:
- One leg may appear shorter
- Thigh skin folds may be uneven
- A click may be felt when moving the hip
Clubfoot is obvious at birth: the foot points down and turns in. Warning signs that need same-day evaluation include sudden inability to bear weight on a leg, severe pain after a fall, obvious deformity of a limb, numbness or weakness in a foot or hand, and signs of infection such as fever with a hot, swollen joint.
Causes and who is at higher risk
- Idiopathic scoliosis
- Genetic factors, runs in families, chromosome 6q24.1 and GPR126 gene linked
- Hip dysplasia
- Born with condition, breech presentation and family history increase risk
- Perthes disease
- Blood does not reach femoral head properly
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
- Growth plate weakens during pubertal growth spurt
- Girls and scoliosis
- Girls more likely to develop progressive scoliosis during puberty
- Curve severity
- Curves above 30 degrees carry higher risk of worsening
Many paediatric orthopaedic conditions have no single known cause. Idiopathic scoliosis occurs in otherwise healthy children; genetic factors play a role and the condition tends to run in families. A susceptibility locus on chromosome 6q24.1 and the GPR126 gene have been linked to scoliosis in studies.
For hip dysplasia, a child is often born with the condition; breech presentation and family history increase the risk. Perthes disease happens when blood does not reach the femoral head properly. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis occurs when the growth plate at the top of the femoral neck weakens, often during the pubertal growth spurt.
Girls are more likely than boys to develop progressive scoliosis, especially during the rapid growth of puberty. Curves above 30 degrees carry a higher risk of worsening and of health problems in adulthood.
Neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy increase the risk of:
- Hip dislocation
- Joint wear
- Limb deformity
How paediatric orthopaedic conditions are diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a detailed history: birth details, age, family history, previous illnesses, surgeries or injuries and current symptoms. The surgeon examines the child for limb alignment, joint range of motion, skin folds, leg length and spinal symmetry. For hip dysplasia, suspicion is raised by physical examination soon after birth and confirmed with ultrasound or X-ray.
Scoliosis is confirmed when the Cobb angle measures 10 degrees or more on a standing X-ray and axial rotation is seen. The forward bend test and a scoliometer are used in screening. For limb deformities and cerebral palsy, X-rays, CT or MRI may be needed to assess bone shape and soft tissues. Our in-house diagnostic laboratory and imaging department provide these tests on site.
Treatment options without surgery and when surgery is advised
- Hip dysplasia bracing Abduction brace for infants up to six months
- Scoliosis bracing Longer brace wear increases benefit
- Clubfoot casting Ponseti method with serial casting
- Cerebral palsy therapy Physical therapy, splinting and medications
Many conditions are managed without surgery, especially when caught early. For hip dysplasia in infants up to six months, an abduction brace is the main treatment. If bracing fails, closed reduction and spica casting is usually done. For scoliosis, bracing can significantly decrease progression of high-risk curves to the surgical threshold; the benefit increases with longer hours of brace wear.
Exercise programmes with active self-correction and task-oriented exercises have been shown to reduce spinal deformity and improve quality of life in mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Clubfoot is initially treated with serial casting using the Ponseti method. Cerebral palsy spasticity may be managed with physical therapy, splinting and medications.
Surgery is advised when non-surgical measures cannot correct the deformity, when the condition is worsening despite treatment, or when function is significantly impaired.
Examples include:
- Tendon release for clubfoot
- Pelvic or femoral osteotomy for hip dysplasia after 18 months
- Spinal fusion for scoliosis curves above 45 to 50 degrees
- Tendon transfers or osteotomies for cerebral palsy
Limb lengthening uses an external fixator or intramedullary nail. Your surgeon will discuss which technique suits your child.
Preparing for Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Do
- Comfortable loose clothing
- Regular medicines
- Favourite toy or blanket
- Medical file with imaging and reports
Before surgery, your child will have a pre-anaesthesia check-up that usually includes blood tests, a chest X-ray and an ECG if needed. The surgical team will review any medicines your child takes, especially blood thinners, steroids or regular pain relief, so bring a complete list to the appointment.
You will be told when to stop food and liquids; typically, no solid food for six hours and no clear fluids for two hours before the operation. Pack comfortable loose clothing, any regular medicines, a favourite toy or blanket, and your child's medical file with previous imaging and reports. One attendant can stay overnight in the ward.
How Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Is Done
- Admission to ward Child admitted on surgery day
- Operation theatre Taken to modular operation theatre
- General anaesthesia Given general anaesthesia
- Procedure time Usually one to three hours
- Recovery area Monitored after surgery
The exact steps depend on the condition. For clubfoot, the Ponseti method uses weekly serial casting followed by a small tendon release if needed; older or rigid feet may need more extensive soft-tissue surgery.
For developmental dysplasia of the hip, infants up to six months are usually treated with a Pavlik harness; if that fails, closed reduction and spica casting is done, and after eighteen months open reduction with pelvic or femoral osteotomy is typical.
Limb lengthening or deformity correction uses an external fixator or an intramedullary nail that is adjusted gradually to grow new bone. Cerebral palsy orthopaedics involves tendon transfers and osteotomies to improve walking and reduce spasticity. On the day of surgery, your child is admitted to the ward, taken to the modular operation theatre, and given general anaesthesia.
The procedure usually takes one to three hours. After surgery, your child goes to the recovery area and then to the ward for monitoring.
Risks and Possible Complications of Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
- Common early risks
- Wound infection, bleeding, reactions to anaesthesia
- Hip surgery risks
- Joint dislocation, cartilage wear over time
- Perthes disease risks
- Femoral head can weaken, collapse, and not fit well in socket
- Limb lengthening risks
- Joint stiffness, pin-site infection, leg length difference
- Spinal surgery risks
- Nerve injury, implant failure, non-union of fusion
- Bracing risks
- Skin problems on trunk and non-back body pains
All operations carry some risk.
Common early risks include:
- Wound infection
- Bleeding
- Reactions to anaesthesia
In hip surgery, the joint might dislocate, which can lead to pain, and over time the cartilage may wear away. In Perthes disease, the femoral head can weaken and begin to collapse, and it may no longer fit well in the hip socket. Limb lengthening can cause joint stiffness, pin-site infection with external fixators, or a difference in leg length.
Spinal surgery for scoliosis carries a risk of:
- Nerve injury
- Implant failure
- Non-union of the fusion
Bracing for scoliosis can cause skin problems on the trunk and non-back body pains. Your surgeon will discuss the risks that apply to your child's specific procedure and the steps taken to reduce them.
Recovery and Aftercare After Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Your child will stay in hospital for one to three nights. Pain is managed with regular medication, and the surgical team checks the wound and limb position daily. Physiotherapy starts early, often on the first day, to protect the repair and begin gentle movement.
Before discharge, caregivers are counselled thoroughly about the do's and don'ts at home, including wound care, cast or brace care, weight-bearing limits, and exercises. Follow-up visits are scheduled at two weeks, six weeks, and then at regular intervals.
Most children return to school in two to four weeks, but full return to sports may take three to six months depending on the procedure. Call the hospital if you notice increasing pain, fever, wound redness or discharge, numbness or colour change in the fingers or toes, or if the cast or brace feels too tight or becomes loose.
Results of Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Outcomes depend on the condition, age at treatment, and how well the rehabilitation plan is followed. In studies of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, bracing significantly decreased the progression of high-risk curves to the threshold for surgery, and the benefit increased with longer hours of brace wear.
In one large trial, the rate of treatment success was 72 percent after bracing compared with 48 percent after observation.
For developmental dysplasia of the hip, early diagnosis and treatment is critical to provide the most suitable possible functional outcome; persistence of hip dysplasia into adolescence and adulthood may result in abnormal gait, decreased strength and increased rate of degenerative hip and knee joint disease, and outcomes deteriorate with increasing delay of presentation.
For cerebral palsy, selective dorsal rhizotomy and orthopaedic procedures can result in less scarring and improved walking patterns. Active self-correction and task-oriented exercises have been shown to reduce spinal deformity and improve quality of life in mild scoliosis. Your surgeon will explain what a realistic outcome looks like for your child's specific diagnosis.
Cost and Insurance for Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery in Jaipur
The typical price range for paediatric orthopaedic surgery in India is ₹50,000 to ₹2,50,000. The final cost depends on the type of procedure, the implants or fixators used, the length of hospital stay, and whether intensive care is needed. Jaipur Hospital is a NABH-accredited multispeciality hospital established in February 1991.
It accepts patients under:
- RGHS
- MAA Yojana
- CGHS
- A panel of private insurers and TPAs
The hospital has a 24×7 emergency department, in-house pharmacy, in-house diagnostic laboratory and imaging, modular operation theatres, and a physiotherapy department. Ask the admissions team for an estimate based on your child's planned procedure and your insurance coverage.
