Rochester Regional Health’s Pediatric Orthopedic Lower Extremity Program offers comprehensive assessments and treatment of lower extremity pediatric conditions. We use our knowledge and experience to treat disorders of the hips, knees, legs, and ankles for children of all ages, restoring function while keeping future growth in mind.
Clubfoot is a congenital (birth) deformity that affects the bones, blood vessels, muscles, and tendons of a child’s foot. Also called talipes equinovarus, clubfoot is characterized by a foot that is turned inward while its heel points down. 1 to 4 of every 1,000 babies is born with clubfoot, which typically affects twice as many boys as it does girls.
While clubfoot may look extreme, it is not painful for babies. Nearly all children who receive adequate treatment early–ideally within the first month of their life–are able to function, run, and play normally. Without treatment, clubfeet will not improve on their own, and the foot or feet will remain in the deformed position.
Macrodactyly is a condition in which a baby’s fingers or toes are abnormally large because of an overgrowth of their underlying bone and soft tissue. This uncommon condition is not cancerous, but larger fingers or toes can make it more difficult for your child to use the affected hand or foot.
There are two types of macrodactyly, static and progressive. If your child has a static case, their enlarged digits will grow at the same rate as the rest of their hand or foot. If your child has a progressive case, the affected digit(s) will grow faster than the rest of the hand or foot. Surgical procedures, including soft tissue debulking, ray resection, and shortening procedures are the usual treatment options for severe macrodactyly.
If one of your child’s arms or legs is shorter than the other arm or leg, they may have a limb-length discrepancy. The difference in length can range from a tiny amount to an inch or several inches. Leg length discrepancies are more likely to affect your child’s daily activities, as legs of differing lengths require changes to posture and walking patterns.
Limb-length discrepancies can be caused by an injury or present at birth. There are two types: structural and functional, in which a joint throws off the symmetry of the limbs. Our team focuses on providing comprehensive orthopedic care individualized to your child’s needs and goals.
Brittle bone disease, or osteogenesis imperfecta, is an inherited, genetic disorder in which your child has fragile bones that break easily without a specific cause. This lifelong condition’s severity varies greatly, but typically affects both bone mass and bone quality. It can affect your child’s blood vessels, muscle mass, hearing, teeth, and stature.
Because there is no way to conquer brittle-bone disease, it’s important to approach it with a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. Our orthopedic team will work with dentists, physical and occupational therapists, and others to ensure your family receives the best care possible.
