About orthopaedic care for children
Our state-of-the-art paediatric units offers the latest technology for fast diagnosis, while further treatment takes place at the renowned The Portland Hospital, the UK’s leading hospital for children. Here, we offer family-centred care and the best equipment, including a playroom, sensory room, gym and individual treatment rooms.
Specialist orthopaedic areas
Scoliosis
Knee and ligament
Hip and pelvis
Foot and ankle
Shoulder and elbow
Hand and wrist
Limb reconstruction
Fractures and sports injuries
Cerebral palsy
Spina bifida
Our consultant specialists in orthopaedics for children
All of our consultants are experienced in the fields of orthopaedics and paediatrics.
Learn more about our Children and Adolescent's Scoliosis Service
Find out more about the only dedicated paediatric and young adult private spinal and scoliosis unit in the UK.
More about The Portland Hospital's scoliosis and spinal unit
Our orthopaedic care for children
We offer a comprehensive service for the diagnosis and management of all orthopaedic conditions in children and adolescents. These include trauma and sports injuries, congenital and developmental conditions, gait problems and peripheral nerve injuries.
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Paediatric scoliosis
Need to know
Scoliosis in children occurs between the ages of 10 to 18 and is more common in girls by a ratio of 2:1. In most cases of adolescent scoliosis the cause is unknown and this is called idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. The majority of children are healthy and have no other medical problems. The condition...
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Back pain in children and teens
Need to know
Children and teens are more flexible than adults, so they tend not to experience much back pain. If it does happen, it could be a sign of something more serious, so it's worth getting it checked out. At HCA UK, our orthopaedic, neurological and paediatric specialists can help get to the root...
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Brachial plexus injuries during birth
Need to know
A brachial plexus injury can affect newborn babies, causing weakness in the baby's hand, arm and shoulder. The brachial plexus is a group of nerve fibres stemming from the spine and through the neck. If pressure is applied to the baby's head during delivery, these nerves can become damaged causing weakness...
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Cerebral palsy
Need to know
Cerebral palsy encompasses a group of conditions. These relate to problems with muscle control and movement. They are the result of an injury to the brain before, during or after birth. There are a range of treatments available to help your child's development.
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Irritable hip in children
Need to know
An irritable hip is caused by a swelling of the lining of the hip joint and a build up of fluid. It can arise following a viral infection or fall. Symptoms include a sudden pain in the hip, thigh or knee. Children will have difficulty crawling, standing or walking. The condition isn't serious and should...
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Kyphosis in children
Need to know
If your child has kyphosis, you may be able to identify this from a curvature of their spine when viewed from the side. Scoliosis is a curvature seen from the front. It is possible for both conditions to be present in the same child. It can develop in the womb. Whilst everyone has a slight spinal...
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Paediatric fractures
Need to know
Fractures (broken bones) can be very common in children. Their bones are softer and not as fully formed as adults. As a result, there are a number of different types of fracture a child may have. Our paediatric orthopaedics can identify your child's injury and treat them accordingly.
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Perthes disease
Need to know
Perthes disease is a rare condition relating to your child's hip joint. It occurs across different stages beginning with restricted blood supply to their femoral head (top of the thigh bone). This leads to inflammation and irritation. Treatment helps a newer, stronger bone to form. This can re-establish...
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Septic arthritis in children
Need to know
Septic arthritis is a medical emergency and you should take your child to an emergency department should septic arthritis be suspected. It's caused by 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. It's caused...
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Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
Need to know
SCFE is a hip condition that can be experienced by adolescents. This occurs when the ball that rests at the top of the femur (thighbone) moves backwards from the neck of the bone. It can occur as a result of growth spurts, a fall/trauma or excessive weight issues. Your child's consultant can assess them...
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Spina bifida
Need to know
Spina bifida happens when a baby's spine doesn't develop properly in the womb, leaving a gap in their spine. There isn't a precise reason behind it but it can cause bowel and bladder problems in later life. In some severe cases, it can lead to mobility issues and paralysis. We can help to support your...
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Pseudarthrosis of the tibia
Need to know
Pseudarthrosis is associated with neurofibromatosis — a condition where tumours grow in the nervous system. A child may show signs of pseudarthrosis a few days after birth, or up to the age of two. This procedure aims to mend an unhealed fracture (pseudarthrosis) in the longer bone of the lower...
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Tendon repair surgery
Need to know
Tendon injuries are relatively common and rarely serious, they can be torn, or ruptured. Your consultant may suggest surgery if other types of treatment, such as physiotherapy, haven't worked or if you've torn your tendon badly. Surgery can be carried out on any tendon but it's usually done on shoulders...
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Joint inflammation caused by sport injury
Need to know
Many sports put sustained pressure on joints, leading to overuse injuries and pain. Sometimes injuries in sport lead to traumatic damage to joints, causing joint swelling and synovitis.
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Muscle strains and sprains
Need to know
Muscle strains and sprains can be a common consequence of playing sport or over exertion during activities. These may occur from physical contact or not warming your muscles up properly before playing. You will likely experience pain, swelling and tightness in the pain area. Your consultant can help...
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Ponseti treatment for club foot
Need to know
This treatment aims to straighten a child's club foot (talipes), a condition where the ankle and foot point towards the body and the tendons are shorter than usual. It ranges from mild to severe and in some cases, the foot looks like it's turned upside down. It can affect both feet. It's a congenital...
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Open reduction and hip reconstruction surgery
Need to know
Open reduction and hip reconstruction surgery is carried out by HCA UK to correct developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in babies. DDH causes the ball-and-socket joint of the hips to not form properly in babies and young children, and is also known as congenital hip dislocation or hip dysplasia....
Paediatric orthopaedics locations
Your child can be seen by leading specialists at outpatient centres across the UK, and the world-renowned Portland Hospital in London.
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The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront
The Waterfront Business Park
Beaufort House, Elstree Road
Elstree WD6 3BS
Request an appointment with a paediatrician
To request an appointment, call the paediatric unit on the number below.