Congenital anomalies are also known as birth defects, congenital disorders or congenital malformations. They can be defined as structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life, and can be identified prenatally, at birth, or later in life.
What are the most common?
The most common orthopedic congenital anomalies are: clubfeet, developmental hip disorders, torticollis, polydactily, congenital scoliosis, in-toeing, bow-legs and knock-knees.
Especially when these conditions are diagnosed in newborns, infants and children, you will want to secure the very best care at what may be a confusing and daunting time. At Euromed you will be looked after with empathy and professionalism by everyone from reception to theatre, and will know that you have put the treatment of your little one in the very safest hands.
What is DDH – Developmental Dysplasia of the hip?
DDH may be defined simply as abnormal growth of the hip. The hip is a “ball-and-socket” joint that is held together by ligaments. The ball is called the femoral head, which is the top of the femur or thigh bone. The socket is called the acetabulum and is the part of the pelvis. The femoral head fits in the acetabulum, creating the hip joint. This joint is normally held tightly in place by surrounding ligaments and joint capsule.
Why is early diagnosis of DDH important?
Early diagnosis is the most crucial aspect of the treatment of children with DDH. The later the diagnosis, the more difficult the treatment. The first screening must be after the birth. After that your Orthopedic surgeon will follow your child and advise you about the follow up or options. Our Orthopedic surgeon Dr Miodrag has a wealth of experience, combined with a thirst for the new, which will ensure that your child gets the very best treatment available today.
What is Club foot?
Club foot, also called congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a congenital deformity in which the foot (or both feet) appears to be internally rotated at the ankle. In majority of cases it is an isolated disorder of the limbs. Clubfoot is usually diagnosed immediately after birth simply by looking at the foot. In some cases it is possible to detect it prior to birth during the ultrasound scan. Treatment should begin immediately after diagnosis to take full advantage of the flexibility of the baby’s bones and joints.
There are many methods of treatment; the most popular method (with good results) is the Ponseti method that consists of gradual reduction and stretching and serial plasters. In rare cases in which the conservative treatment is not successful, surgical correction may be necessary. Dr Miodrag will assess your child’s needs and provide an individualized treatment utilizing the most cutting edge protocols.
What is Torticollis?
Torticollis (also termed wry neck or loxia) refers to a head or neck position that is abnormal or asymmetrical. The different type of torticollis can be described depending on the positions of the head and neck, such as:
- Laterocollis : when the head tips towards the shoulder
- Rotational torticollis : when the head rotates along the longitudinal axis
- Anterocollis : forward flexion of the head and neck
- Retrocollis : hyperextension of head and neck backward
A combination of these movements can also occur.
What is the cause of Torticollis?
Although the main cause of congenital muscular torticollis is unknown, trauma at birth, or intrauterine malposition, is thought to be the reason behind the damage to the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck. This damage leads to a shortening or excessive contraction of the muscle, which limits its range of motion in rotation and bending.
The first step to treat the condition is through physical therapy, which includes stretching to release tightness, and strengthening exercises which help to improve the muscular balance. In approximately 5 -10% cases, surgical release of the muscle may be required. Dr Miodrag’s years of experience will enable him to diagnose the problem and implement the very best treatment options.
Check out our specialist doctor’s profile
Dr. Miodrag Milenkovic
Specialist Orthopedic Surgery and Trauma
Fluent in English, Serbian and French, Dr Miodrag has taken his expertise in countries such as UK, Zimbabwe and his native Serbia, before relocating to the UAE. A Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology, he was Specialist Orthopedic Surgeon and acting Consultant at Al Ain Hospital from October 2004 to October 2012 before becoming the Orthopedic Surgeon for Head Trauma services at Al Noor Hospital in 2012.