Paediatric Orthopaedic

Children's bones and joints are still growing — and that makes early specialist assessment one of the most important steps a parent can take.

Conditions Treated

Our paediatric orthopaedic surgeon in Penang manages a broad range of conditions affecting the growing musculoskeletal system — from congenital abnormalities to injuries sustained during sports and daily activities.

1. Scoliosis

Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine — most commonly adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which develops during the growth spurt between ages 10 and 18. Early detection allows conservative management through monitoring and bracing, potentially avoiding the need for surgery.

2. Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus)

A congenital foot deformity present at birth where one or both feet are turned inward and downward. Early treatment — typically beginning within the first weeks of life using the Ponseti casting method — produces excellent outcomes and avoids the need for major surgery in most cases.

3. Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

A condition where the hip joint does not develop normally during infancy — resulting in a shallow hip socket that may cause the hip to dislocate or be unstable. Early diagnosis through clinical examination and ultrasound allows treatment with bracing in most infants, with surgical correction reserved for cases identified later or where bracing is not sufficient.

4. Perthes Disease

A childhood condition affecting the hip in which the blood supply to the femoral head is temporarily disrupted, causing the bone to weaken and deform. Management depends on the child's age and severity of involvement — ranging from activity modification and physiotherapy to surgical intervention in selected cases.

5. Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)

A condition occurring in adolescents where the growth plate at the top of the femur weakens and the femoral head slips out of position. SCFE most commonly presents with hip or knee pain and a limp in overweight adolescents during periods of rapid growth. Surgical fixation is typically required to stabilise the joint and prevent further slippage.

6. Paediatric Fractures

Fractures in children differ from adult fractures because growing bones contain active growth plates — areas of developing cartilage that are vulnerable to injury. Growth plate fractures require careful assessment and management to prevent long-term effects on bone growth and limb alignment. Our paediatric orthopaedic surgeon provides specialist evaluation and treatment for all types of childhood fractures.

7. Limb Deformities and Gait Abnormalities

Conditions such as bow legs (genu varum), knock knees (genu valgum), in-toeing, and flat feet are common concerns in childhood. While many resolve naturally with growth, some require monitoring or intervention. Our specialist assesses each child individually to determine whether treatment is needed and what form it should take.

Treatment Approach

Paediatric orthopaedic treatment is planned around the child's age, growth stage, and the specific nature of their condition. The goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome using the least invasive approach appropriate for the individual patient.

• Conservative management — casting, bracing, physiotherapy, and activity modification for conditions that respond well to non-surgical treatment
• Casting and serial correction — particularly for clubfoot and selected fractures using established protocols such as the Ponseti method
• Surgical intervention — when conservative management is not appropriate or has not achieved adequate correction, surgical options are discussed transparently with the child's parents or guardians before any decision is made

All treatment planning at Sunway Medical Centre Penang takes into account the child's overall development — not just the presenting condition — ensuring that orthopaedic care supports rather than disrupts healthy growth.

Consult a Paediatric Orthopaedic Specialist in Penang

If you have concerns about your child's bone, joint, or musculoskeletal development — whether a condition has been identified at birth, flagged during a school screening, or noticed through changes in your child's movement or posture — early specialist assessment is the right first step.

Our paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre Penang is available to evaluate your child's condition and provide a clearly explained treatment plan tailored to their age, growth stage, and individual needs.

Learn more about orthopaedic care at our Orthopaedic Centre in Penang

Read More: Scoliosis Treatment | Bones and Joints Care | Orthopaedic Specialists | Advanced Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Care