Pediatrics: Flat Foot Almost all normal babies are born with flat foot. The medial longitudinal arch, or simply the arch, of the foot does not develop fully until the end of the first decade of life. In approximately 20% of children, an arch does not develop. For these children, no non-surgical treatment will create an arch, including special "orthopaedic" shoes or inserts, exercises, or physical therapy. Flat-footed children grow up to become flat-footed adults. Flat foot in and of itself is not abnormal. Approximately 20% of adults have flat foot. Flat foot does not produce disability or other problems as long as: 1. The foot is supple 2. The heel cord, or Achilles tendon, is not tight. This is termed flexible flat foot. A supple foot looks flat when the person stands on the whole foot (referred to as the "loaded" position), but an arch develops when the person gets off the foot ("unloaded") or when she or he stands on the toes

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Hip dysplasia is normally called developmental (DDH), and occasionally congenital (CHD), and occurs when the top of the femur (leg bone) is not properly located in the hip socket or not located where the hip socket is expected to develop. Hip dysplasia in humans is normally diagnosed in babies. Statistically, girls have a higher incidence of hip dysplasia than boys. There are a variety of treatments that are used depending on the age of the child and the severity of the condition. Information on Patient Provider

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is one of about 150 types of ectodermal dysplasia in humans. Before birth, these disorders result in the abnormal development of structures including the skin, hair, nails, teeth, and sweat glands. Most people with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia have a reduced ability to sweat (hypohidrosis) because they have fewer sweat glands than normal or their sweat glands do not function properly. Sweating is a major way that the body controls its temperature; as sweat evaporates from the skin, it cools the body. An inability to sweat can lead to a dangerously high body temperature (hyperthermia), particularly in hot weather. In some cases, hyperthermia can cause life-threatening medical problems. Affected individuals tend to have sparse scalp and body hair (hypotrichosis). The hair is often light-colored, brittle, and slow-growing. This condition is also characterized by absent teeth (hypodontia) or teeth that are malformed. The teeth that are present are frequently small and pointed. Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is associated with distinctive facial features including a prominent forehead, thick lips, and a flattened bridge of the nose. Additional features of this condition include thin, wrinkled, and dark-colored skin around the eyes; chronic skin problems such as eczema; and a bad-smelling discharge from the nose (ozena). Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is the most common form of ectodermal dysplasia in humans. It is estimated to affect at least 1 in 17,000 people worldwide.

Patient focused information about the causes, diagnosis and scientifically documented, effective available treatment options for common types of spinal deformity

Fact sheet including causes and treatments

Clinical Assessment

Overview Highly Reputable

Overview of spinal deformities Highly Reputable

Overview of imaging (X-ray, CT scans, and MRI) used in diagnosis
Initial imaging evaluation of a patient suspected of having scoliosis is by a standing posterior-anterior thoracolumbar spine radiograph done on a single long film. Modern radiographic techniques minimize radiation exposure Highly Reputable

Fact sheet including brace types
Treatment choice in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is determined by a complex equation which includes the patient's physiologic (not chronologic) maturity, curve magnitude and location and potential for progression. Thoracic curves are at higher risk for progression than thoracolumbar curves or lumbar curves. Patients whose curves are of consequential magnitude prior to onset of their adolescent growth spurt are at significant risk for curve progression. Treatment options include observation, bracing or surgery. Highly Reputable

AAOS Online Service Fact SheetLegg-Calve-Perthes Disease Highly Reputable

Archive Copy 2003: Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. Legg-Perthes Disease

My Child has Clubfoot Children's Hospital Boston

Description, symptoms, and treatments for this tumor condition of the nerves.