We are a multidisciplinary team that includes doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and administrative staff. We provide over 2000 outpatient appointments each year and perform over 400 operations each year.
We perform all aspects of limb surgery on children. We treat a wide range of children’s orthopaedic conditions from shoulders to toes. These include:
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
- Perthes Disease of the hip
- Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE)
- Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) or clubfoot
- Joint problems resulting from underlying neuromuscular conditions
- Limb length inequality and deformity
- Bone and joint infections
We perform a comprehensive assessment of each child and formulate a management plan. Management may be non-operative (such as physiotherapy or referral for an orthotic device) or operative (surgery advised).
We work closely with other paediatric teams at Addenbrooke’s Hospital including Rheumatology, Neurology, Anaesthetics and Genetics.
Information for children and families attending the paediatric orthopaedic out-patient clinic
Trauma appointments are located in Clinic 1 in the out-patient department and orthopaedic appointments are located in Clinic 6. Your appointment will last between 15 and 30 minutes. You may need an x-ray before or after your appointment and you may need to the doctor again after the x-ray. In this scenario, the whole appointment can last over an hour.
The doctor will ask about your child’s limb problem. They will ask about any discomfort or pain that your child has. They will enquire whether the problem if affecting your child’s daily activities or their ability to do exercise. They will ask if your child has any other medical problems, if they take medications, and if there is a family history of any medical conditions.
The doctor will then perform an examination of the child. This will involve examining the affected part of the limb but may also include a more generalised examination of the limbs, spine, walking and general joint mobility. It is advised that the child brings a pair of shorts to their clinic appointment so that they feel comfortable when they are examined.
Following this, the doctor will explain whether any further investigations are needed such as x-rays, other imaging or blood tests. The doctor will explain what the possible diagnoses are and the plan for future management. This may involve conservative treatment such as physiotherapy or referral for orthotic shoe insoles. It may involve surgery. If surgery is recommended, the risks and benefits of surgery will be explained together with alternative treatment options. If you decide to proceed with surgery, you will be seen again in a pre-operative assessment clinic at a later date (see above).
Referral information
Referrals are accepted from GPs, physiotherapists and other hospitals. Referrals should be sent through the Advice and Guidance system or emailed directly to add-tr.PaedTraumaandOrtho@nhs.net.