21 March 2017
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

What is it? : It is a health problem that is common in children and causes permanent disability if not diagnosed and treated early. The disruption of the relation of femur head in the hip joint with acetabulum, which is its slot, at various degrees is called the DDH. In these degrees, if there is a full dislocation, the femur head is completely out of slot. There is an incomplete contact between the joint surfaces, if it is out in half. The acetabulum and femur head were developed inadequately in the form called dysplasia.Read More

21 March 2017
Flat Footedness

What is it? : There is a longitudinal curve on the inside of the sole. This curve has a flexible structure in certain degrees. This structure prevents the pressure of the floor from being absorbed by the foot during walking, thus damaging the knee, hip and waist joints. In the absence of this curve, the flatness on the sole of the foot is referred to as flat footedness. The inner edge of a normal foot does not contact the ground; but in flat footedness, this inner edge does. Flat footedness occurs due to conditions that require orthopedic treatment, that is to say short Achilles’ heel, spasticity of foot outer group muscles, as well as in the type we call flexible flat footedness.

Causes : It is not yet known how or why it occurs, but the flat footedness is highly genetic. Occurrence in the family increases the likelihood of flat footedness. Generally, 70 to 80 percent of children have flat footedness. Starting at age 3, the fat pad on the soles of the feet starts to disappear and the foot ligaments are strengthened. Thus, the foot curve takes the normal shape in children until 8-10 years old.

Treatment : After the diagnosis in flexible flat footedness, the family is informed and information is given about the self-recovery at 8-10 years of age. During this time, it is suggested that children move around in the house with socks, booties or bare feet. Orthopedic shoes and insoles are usually not needed. Only the shoes selected for walking should be hard-bottomed, heeled, internally supported, hard-edge. If the flexible flat footedness has not passed after 8-10 years of age, the child gets tired quickly, and if there is pain in the calf muscles, soft soles and sports shoes supporting the foot curve are recommended. In rigid type flat footedness, that is, caused by orthopedic disorders, treatment for cause should be made.

21 March 2017
Distorted Foot Deformity in Children

What is it? : Known as CONGENITAL PES EQUINOVARUS DEFORMITY, the inherent crooked foot disease is the inward and downward inclination of the feet. It occurs in 1 in 1000 births and is common in boys. Today, it is an orthopedic problem that can be diagnosed in USG follow-ups during pregnancy. It can be on a single foot or both feet. If it is inherent in the family, the rate of being seen in the baby increases 2 times.

Causes : The exact reason is unknown. The cause of the deformity is the tension and shortness of the baby’s calf muscles, causing the legs turned inwards and the joint-to-bone relationship being broken. These patients should also be investigated for DDH. If the problem is unilateral, the calf on the side that is problematic is also thinner.

Treatment : It is very important to start with weekly plaster cast changes immediately after birth. Because with early treatment, the foot can be fully healed or the need for surgery can be diminished. The plaster cast position is changed every week, so that progressive improvement is achieved. The full recovery of the foot will be in 8-12 weeks. Surgeries are used in stubborn cases. After the plaster cast, the Ponseti device is put on until the age of 2 years. Checks should be continued until 15-16 years for girls and 17-18 years for boys, even though the foot takes its final shape at the end of 12 years.