Paediatric orthopaedics focuses on bone, joint and muscle conditions affecting infants, children and adolescents. Assessment considers the child's growth, physical development, symptoms and mobility. Dr. Saraswati Viswanathan's documented expertise includes congenital deformities, growth-related disorders, paediatric fractures and hip and knee conditions in children.
Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which one or both feet are turned inward and downward. Early treatment commonly involves the Ponseti method, using a series of casts followed by bracing. Some children may need additional procedures. Regular follow-up helps monitor correction and reduce the risk of recurrence.
The Ponseti method is a commonly used non-surgical approach for correcting clubfoot in infants. It involves gentle manipulation and serial casting to gradually improve foot alignment. A minor tendon procedure may sometimes be needed, followed by bracing. Treatment requires regular appointments and careful adherence to the prescribed brace schedule.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip occurs when a child's hip joint does not develop or remain positioned normally. Early assessment may involve physical examination and ultrasound or X-ray imaging. Treatment varies with age and severity and may include bracing, reduction procedures or surgery in selected cases.
Limb length discrepancy occurs when one leg or arm is shorter than the other. Assessment considers the difference in length, its cause and the child's remaining growth. Management may involve observation, shoe modifications, growth-guided procedures or limb lengthening surgery, depending on the predicted final discrepancy.
Limb lengthening surgery is used in selected patients with significant limb length differences or deformities. It involves controlled bone separation and gradual correction using specialised fixation devices. Treatment requires careful planning, rehabilitation and ongoing monitoring. The choice of technique depends on the patient's age, anatomy and clinical goals.
Growth modulation uses the remaining growth of a child's bones to gradually correct certain angular deformities or limb length differences. Procedures may temporarily influence growth on one side of a growth plate. Appropriate timing, follow-up and assessment of skeletal maturity are important for achieving the intended correction.
Angular deformities such as significant bowlegs or knock-knees may develop because of growth abnormalities, injury or underlying bone conditions. Evaluation includes physical examination and imaging to assess alignment and growth potential. Treatment may involve monitoring, guided growth procedures or corrective osteotomy in selected patients.
Congenital limb deformities are abnormalities in the shape, alignment or development of bones and joints present at birth. Management depends on the type and severity of the condition, the child's age and functional needs. Options may include observation, casting, bracing, rehabilitation or corrective surgery.
Fractures in children require assessment of bone alignment, growth plates and the potential for natural remodelling. Treatment may include splinting, casting, reduction or surgical fixation when necessary. Follow-up is important to monitor healing and identify growth-related complications after certain injuries.
Rickets can affect bone mineralisation during childhood and may lead to leg deformities, bone pain or growth concerns. Evaluation may include clinical examination, blood tests and imaging. Management addresses the underlying nutritional or metabolic cause, while persistent deformities may require orthopaedic assessment and selected corrective procedures.
Hip and knee disorders in children can cause pain, limping, stiffness or changes in walking patterns. Assessment considers age, symptoms, growth and imaging findings. Treatment varies according to the diagnosis and may involve observation, physiotherapy, bracing, medication or surgery when clinically indicated.
Malunion occurs when a fracture heals in an abnormal position, while non-union describes failure of a fracture to heal within the expected period. Evaluation includes imaging and assessment of bone alignment, stability and possible infection. Treatment may require correction, fixation, bone grafting or other specialised approaches.
Orthopaedic trauma involves injuries to bones, joints and surrounding soft tissues. Complex fractures may require detailed imaging, reduction and surgical fixation to restore alignment and stability. Dr. Saraswati Viswanathan has documented training in fracture management and experience treating paediatric and adult orthopaedic trauma.
An osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which a bone is cut and repositioned to correct alignment or deformity. It may be considered for selected congenital, developmental or post-traumatic conditions. The procedure and fixation method depend on the affected bone, deformity severity and treatment objectives.
Chronic joint pain can result from arthritis, previous injury, overuse or other musculoskeletal conditions. Evaluation aims to identify the underlying cause and assess its effect on movement and daily activities. Treatment may involve exercise, physiotherapy, medication, activity modification or selected procedures based on clinical findings.