The term cerebral palsy refers to a group of conditions, all related to problems with muscle control and movement. These conditions are caused by a brain injury before, during or after birth. Although they are lifelong, there are a range of treatments available to support your child's development.
Paediatric orthopaedics
When you need a clear diagnosis or expert treatment for your child or teenager, our specialist orthopaedic team is here to help, whatever the condition. From routine conditions such as flat foot to complex spinal conditions including scoliosis, our hospital dedicated to children is The Portland Hospital.
Expert paediatric orthopaedic support
Your guide to children’s orthopaedic treatment
From injuries on the school playing fields and peripheral nerve trauma to congenital and developmental conditions and gait problems, our team of specialist experts are dedicated to getting your child back doing what they love.
While you can have a consultation with a paediatric orthopaedic specialist at one of our many outpatient centres, any surgery will be carried out at our dedicated paediatric hospital, The Portland Hospital.
The hospital offers family-centred care with access to a multidisciplinary teams bring together experts including neurologists, therapists and specialist nurses. The excellent facilities include a playroom, sensory room, gym, and individual treatment rooms. You’ll also have access to the latest diagnostic technology, including low-radiation X-ray scanning.
Paediatric orthopaedic conditions we treat
Cerebral palsy
Clubfoot
Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a baby is born with their ankle and foot pointing towards the body and the tendons are shorter than usual. If your baby has clubfoot, it’s most likely to be treated soon after birth with a procedure called the Ponseti technique, in which their foot will be realigned using plaster casts, and then encased in a special boot until they are five.
Irritable hip in children
Sometimes called transient synovitis, irritable hip is the most common cause of hip pain in children. Your child might have difficulty crawling, standing or walking but the condition isn't serious and should clear up on its own with rest. However, depending on the symptoms your child displays, your consultant may recommend other treatment.
Kyphosis in children
Kyphosis in children is sometimes called juvenile kyphosis or roundback. If your child has kyphosis, their back will appear markedly curved when viewed from the side. Depending on the severity of the condition, your child may be treated with physiotherapy, a special brace, or in severe cases, surgery to prevent further curving.
Scoliosis in children
A spinal curve that may take the shape of a single or double curve is treated by a team of paediatric spinal surgeons, neurosurgeons and therapists at The Portland Hospital.
Perthes' disease
Legg Calve Perthes disease, usually known as Perthes disease, is a rare condition that can affect your child's hip joint. It starts by restricting blood supply to the top of the thigh bone. This leads to inflammation and irritation. Treatment will help your child to form a newer, stronger bone and they are likely to regain normal movement with time.
Septic arthritis in children
Septic arthritis is a bacterial infection in the joint space and may cause permanent damage if not treated immediately. It's most common in the hip and knees, and is often accompanied by pain, fever, redness and a racing pulse. If you suspect your child has septic arthritis, you should take them to a hospital’s emergency department immediately or call 999.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)
SCFE is a hip condition that occurs when the ball at the top of the femur (thighbone) moves backwards from the neck of the bone. It can occur because of growth spurts, a fall or other trauma, or excessive weight issues. Your child's consultant can assess them and determine whether surgery is required.
Spina bifida
Spina bifida occurs when a baby's spine doesn't develop properly in the womb, leaving a gap in their spine. There are different forms, which vary in severity. Spina bifida can usually be detected in a pregnancy scan between the 18th and 21st weeks. It might be possible to perform spinal surgery soon after birth to close the gap in your baby’s spine.
Paediatric orthopaedic treatments
Brachial plexus injuries during birth
The brachial plexus is a group of nerve fibres that send signals to the shoulders, arms and hands. If your baby’s brachial plexus is damaged during delivery, it can cause weakness or total lack of function in these areas. Your consultant is likely to recommend nerve graft repair or nerve transfer to repair the damage and restore movement.
Joint inflammation caused by sport injury
If your child plays a lot of sports, they might end up with a sports injury that causes joint inflammation and swelling, which can be very painful. Your consultant may arrange an MRI or ultrasound scan to examine the joint and the surrounding soft tissue. Treatment can range from rest and ice packs to ultrasound-guided steroid injection to aid rehabilitation.
Paediatric fractures
Your child’s bones are softer than an adult’s bones, which means that they are more easily broken. Fractures are usually diagnosed with an X-ray and our consultants can treat them with surgery or a non-surgical procedure called a ‘closed reduction’ to reset the bone. After a closed reduction, the injured area might be put in a plaster case to protect it while it heals.
Pavlik harness treatment
Babies are treated with a Pavlik harness by our paediatric experts to stabilise their hips and aid normal development. Sometimes the hip joint (a ball and socket joint) doesn't form properly in babies and is referred to as hip dysplasia, otherwise known as a dislocation of the hip.
Ponseti treatment for club foot
If your child has been diagnosed with talipes or clubfoot, your child's foot and ankle will orientate downwards and inwards. Our paediatric consultants can realign your child's foot using the Ponseti approach.
Pseudarthrosis of the tibia
Pseudarthrosis of the tibia is a rare and complex condition that usually occurs before a child is two. It’s often linked to a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis. A spontaneous fracture acts as a false joint, so your child’s leg may appear bowed. We can treat pseudarthrosis with surgery, replacing your child’s damaged bone with healthy bone.
Back pain in children and teenagers
There are many other reasons your child may be experiencing back pain. Our multidisciplinary paediatric orthopaedic care team - including orthopaedic, neurological and paediatric specialists - can help get to the root of the problem. They’ll also be able to talk you through treatment options, which range from medication and physiotherapy to surgery.
Patient stories
Rhiannon’s courage: Recovering after scoliosis surgery
Rhiannon was an active 14-year-old girl. When she occasionally complained to her parents about aches and pains in her back, there was no reason to think it was anything more sinister than sore muscles from one of her dance classes, or something she’d pulled while horse riding.
Mimi’s story: Scoliosis surgery at 58 degrees
As 16-year-old Mimi climbed to the top of the giant Slitherine water slide in Dubai’s Atlantis aquaventure park, she had a momentary change of heart. Just three months before, the teenager from Walton on Thames, Surrey, had undergone major back surgery for scoliosis and started the difficult process of recovery. Seconds after her moment of doubt, she was plunging down the slide with her little sister, while their mum Tamara looked on.
Jack's Spinal Scoliosis story
Jack’s mother Jaime noticed his shoulder blades were slightly uneven in March 2020, at the start of the UK COVID-19 lockdown. After being faced with a long wait for a referral, a chance recommendation led Jaime to turn to The Portland Hospital. Here Jaime shares their story and explain why this surgery was so important.
Millie's story – still hula hooping after scoliosis surgery
On the day of her 14th birthday, Millie was driving from South Wales to London with her mum, Vicki, for her long-awaited scoliosis operation. "It was the best birthday present I could ask for," says Millie, who is from Blaenrhondda in the Rhonda Valley, "being given a perfectly straight back."
Paying for treatment
We see patients who are self-funding treatment for their children as well as those with medical insurance policies for their family members. We work with all the major private insurers, for example Bupa, AXA and many more. If you’re paying for your child’s treatment and are considering orthopaedic care, we offer a guide to the payment options available.
Booking your appointment
To book an HCA UK appointment for your child with one of our paediatric orthopaedic experts, you can call, or book online using our consultant finder. Remember to have your referral letter to hand. If you have private medical insurance, you’ll also need your membership number and authorisation code. We’ll confirm your appointment for your child on the phone or online. If you have any special requests, we’ll get back to you, either by phone or email within 24 hours.
Our paediatric orthopaedic care facilities
Your child can be seen by specialists at our outpatient centres across the UK, as well as at our dedicated paediatric hospital, The Portland Hospital, in London.
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
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