Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon? A paediatric orthopaedic surgeon is a specialist who diagnoses and treats bone, joint, muscle and movement-related problems in babies, children and adolescents. Children’s bones and joints are still growing, so they require an approach that is different from adult orthopaedic care. 2. What conditions does Dr. Vivek Sodhai treat? Dr. Vivek Sodhai provides specialised care for a wide range of paediatric orthopaedic conditions, including childhood fractures, limb deformities, bow legs, knock knees, clubfoot, flatfoot, hip disorders, developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), cerebral palsy-related orthopaedic problems, bone and joint infections, and bone tumours. 3. When should I take my child to a paediatric orthopaedic specialist? You should consider an orthopaedic evaluation if your child has persistent pain, difficulty walking or running, an abnormal walking pattern, a noticeable limb deformity, repeated falls, a difference in limb length, swelling around a joint, or an injury or fracture. Early assessment can help determine whether treatment or simply observation is appropriate. 4. Does every child with bow legs need treatment? No. Bow legs (genu varum) can be a normal part of early childhood development and may gradually improve as the child grows. However, persistent, severe or worsening bowing may require evaluation to identify possible underlying causes. A paediatric orthopaedic specialist can assess your child and recommend observation or treatment when necessary. 5. What is developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)? Developmental dysplasia of the hip is a condition in which the hip joint does not develop normally. The hip may be shallow, loose or dislocated. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve hip development and reduce the risk of long-term problems. 6. What are the signs of hip dysplasia in children? Depending on the child's age, signs may include differences in leg length, asymmetrical skin folds, limited hip movement, difficulty walking or an abnormal walking pattern. Some children may have few obvious symptoms, which is why medical assessment may be important when DDH is suspected. 7. What treatment options are available for DDH? Treatment depends on the child's age and the severity of the condition. Depending on the situation, treatment may include observation, bracing such as a Pavlik harness, closed reduction or surgical procedures. The appropriate treatment is determined after a detailed evaluation. 8. Can children's fractures be treated by a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon? Yes. Children's fractures may require specialised assessment because growing bones can behave differently from adult bones. Treatment may include immobilisation, reduction, casting or surgery depending on the type and severity of the fracture. 9. Does my child always need surgery for an orthopaedic problem? No. Surgery is not necessary for every paediatric orthopaedic condition. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve observation, physiotherapy, bracing, casting, medication or other non-surgical approaches. If surgery is recommended, the doctor will explain why it is appropriate for your child. 10. What is limb deformity correction? Limb deformity correction is treatment for abnormalities in the alignment, shape or length of a child's limbs. Conditions such as bow legs, knock knees and limb-length discrepancies may require monitoring or correction depending on the child's age, growth pattern and severity. 11. What is limb lengthening? Limb lengthening is a specialised orthopaedic procedure used in selected children with significant limb-length differences or certain limb deficiencies. Treatment is planned according to the child's individual condition, growth and overall health. 12. What paediatric foot conditions do you treat? Paediatric foot and ankle problems may include clubfoot (CTEV), flatfoot and congenital foot deformities. The appropriate treatment depends on the child's age, symptoms, flexibility of the foot and underlying diagnosis. 13. What is clubfoot (CTEV)? Clubfoot, also called congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a condition in which a baby's foot is turned inward and downward. It can usually be identified early and requires specialist assessment and treatment to help achieve a functional, pain-free foot. 14. Is flatfoot in children always a problem? Not necessarily. Flatfoot can be a normal variation in children, particularly at younger ages. However, painful, stiff or progressively worsening flatfoot may require assessment by a paediatric orthopaedic specialist. 15. Do you treat orthopaedic problems associated with cerebral palsy? Yes. Paediatric orthopaedic care can play an important role in managing musculoskeletal problems associated with cerebral palsy. Treatment is tailored to the child's movement, growth, muscle imbalance, joint function and individual needs. 16. What is hip preservation surgery? Hip preservation surgery aims to preserve the child's or young person's natural hip joint and maintain hip function for as long as possible. Depending on the condition, procedures may be considered for problems such as hip dysplasia, Perthes disease and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). 17. What are bone and joint infections in children? Bone and joint infections are infections affecting structures such as bones or joints. They can require prompt medical assessment and treatment. Depending on the condition, management may involve antibiotics, drainage or surgery. 18. Does Dr. Vivek Sodhai treat bone tumours in children? Dr. Vivek Sodhai has expertise in the assessment and surgical management of paediatric bone tumours. If a tumour or suspicious bone lesion is identified, the child will require appropriate investigation and a treatment plan based on the diagnosis. 19. Where does Dr. Vivek Sodhai practise? Dr. Vivek Sodhai consults at his paediatric orthopaedic clinic at 302, Metropolis, Balewadi High Street, opposite Circuit House Restaurant, Laxman Nagar, Baner, Pune. He also consults at Sancheti Hospital, Pune. 20. How can I book an appointment? You can book an appointment through the clinic's website or contact the clinic directly. The website lists the clinic contact number as 08048039849