Paediatric Orthopaedic Care in Wollongong

Some children are born with differences affecting the hand, wrist, forearm or elbow. These may involve bone, joint, tendon or nerve structures.

Management is individualised and may include observation, therapy, splinting or surgery depending on function, development and family goals.

Trigger thumb in children occurs when the thumb tendon catches or locks during movement.

Some cases resolve with observation, while others may require injection or surgical release.

Fractures involving the hand, wrist, forearm or elbow are common in active children.

Many paediatric fractures heal well with casting, while selected injuries require surgery to protect growth and alignment.

Birth brachial plexus injury can affect sensation and movement in a baby's shoulder, arm or hand following nerve stretch or injury during delivery.

Care is individualised and may include therapy, monitoring of recovery, and surgical options in selected cases.

Cerebral palsy can affect upper limb tone, posture and function, influencing reach, grasp and everyday activities.

Treatment is tailored to each child and may include therapy, injections or surgery such as tendon transfer or hyperselective neurectomy in selected cases.

Differences in leg length may be present from birth or develop after injury, infection or growth disturbance.

Assessment may include clinical examination and imaging to determine whether observation, guided growth or other treatment is appropriate.

Variations in foot progression can relate to femoral torsion, tibial torsion or foot shape, and are common in growing children.

Many children improve with observation as they grow. Assessment helps identify when further investigation or treatment is needed.

Angular alignment differences at the knees may be part of normal development or related to growth, injury or underlying conditions.

Monitoring is often appropriate. Selected cases may benefit from guided growth or corrective surgery.

The kneecap may dislocate or feel unstable, particularly during sport or twisting movements.

Treatment may include physiotherapy, bracing or surgical stabilisation depending on injury pattern and recurrence.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and ligament injuries can affect knee comfort, stability and participation in sport.

Management depends on the location and severity of injury and may include activity modification, therapy or surgery.

DDH describes a spectrum of hip development differences that can affect joint stability and long-term hip health if not identified and treated appropriately.

Early assessment is important. Treatment may include observation, bracing or surgical options depending on age and severity.

Some children develop stiffness, deformity or functional limitation after previous injury.

Management may include therapy, splinting or corrective surgery depending on symptoms and skeletal maturity.

Growth plate injuries can occur after falls, sporting injuries or trauma and require careful assessment because of their effect on future growth.

Treatment may include casting, splinting or surgery depending on fracture type and alignment. In many cases, long-term follow-up is required to monitor for future growth disturbance.