PaediatricTopic
Paediatric rehabilitation: articles and guides
Cerebral palsy, developmental delay and the childhood conditions rehabilitation can change the course of.
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Paediatric Will my child with cerebral palsy walk?
Many children with cerebral palsy walk, with or without aids, but it depends on the severity of motor involvement. The Gross Motor Function Classification System helps predict likely mobility. Early milestones matter: in a large study of children not yet walking at age two to three, being able to sit or pull to stand strongly predicted later walking.Read morePaediatric What do the GMFCS levels mean in cerebral palsy?
The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) describes how children with cerebral palsy usually move, in five levels. Level I means walking without limitations, level II walking with limitations, level III walking with a hand-held aid, level IV limited self-mobility often using powered mobility, and level V being transported in a wheelchair.Read morePaediatric When is toe walking in children a concern?
Toe walking is common in young children, and most outgrow it. In a Swedish study, a small minority of children had walked on their toes, and most of these had stopped by later childhood without any treatment. It needs assessment if a child cannot stand flat, walks only on one side, has stiffness or developmental concerns, or loses skills.Read morePaediatric When should a baby start walking?
Babies start walking at widely different ages. A World Health Organization study of 816 healthy children in five countries found that walking alone was achieved anywhere between 8.2 and 17.6 months. A child who is not walking by around 18 months, which is beyond that range, should be assessed by a health professional.Read morePaediatric Do flat feet in children need treatment?
Most children with flexible flat feet do not need treatment. The arch usually develops through childhood, and in children without symptoms, insoles have not been shown to make a meaningful difference. Assessment is advisable if flat feet are painful, stiff, affect only one foot, limit activity or occur with other conditions such as joint problems or low muscle tone.Read morePaediatric When does scoliosis in children need a brace?
A brace is usually considered for children and adolescents who are still growing and have a moderate curve that is at risk of progressing. In a major trial, bracing reduced progression to the surgical threshold, and the benefit increased with more hours of daily wear. Small curves are usually monitored, and very large curves may need surgery.Read morePaediatric What are the signs of hip dysplasia in babies?
Hip dysplasia is often silent in the first year, so routine examination matters. Possible signs include uneven thigh or buttock creases, one leg appearing shorter, limited spreading of one leg during nappy changes, and later a limp or waddling walk. Babies born breech or with a family history may need an ultrasound scan.Read morePaediatric How does botulinum toxin help children with cerebral palsy?
Botulinum toxin injections temporarily relax overactive muscles in children with spastic cerebral palsy. They can improve walking pattern and ankle movement, especially when combined with physiotherapy, casting or orthoses. Effects wear off over several months, so injections are part of a wider plan. The goal is to support function, comfort and care, not to remove spasticity permanently.Read more
