Children often present to the orthopaedic surgeon with pains in the limbs or spine. The role of the paediatric orthopaedic surgeon is to differentiate between relatively innocent pains, such as growing pains or pains related to posture that are easily resolved with physiotherapy, from more sinister pains that may require surgical intervention. Pains that may require surgical intervention can be due to Perthes Disease and slipped upper femoral epiphysis causing pain in the hips, as well as musculoskeletal infections.
For postural pain in children and youngsters related to posture the physiotherapist does an assessment and usually presents a personally designed program of exercises for core and hip muscles. Sometimes the patient and the parents will be advised about seating and positioning in school and at home.
