Pediatric orthopedics and traumatology

Pediatric surgical procedures and other pediatric procedures requiring anesthesia are performed at the New Children’s Hospital and at Hyvinkää Hospital.

We examine and treat musculoskeletal injuries, disorders, tumors, congenital defects, and disorders of skeletal development. Fractures and various injuries to ligaments, tendons, and nerves are typical injuries requiring emergency care.

The most common type of case in pediatric orthopedics and traumatology is a fracture. More than half of all Finns sustain one or more bone fractures before the end of their physical growth period. We treat the majority of children’s fractures without surgery, using various plaster casts and dressings. If necessary, we correct the orientation and fix the fracture under anesthesia. Tendon and nerve injuries are rare in children but are usually treatable with surgery.

In addition to injuries, we examine and treat musculoskeletal injuries, disorders, tumors, congenital defects, and disorders of skeletal development. We have special expertise in the treatment of congenital malformations in the limbs and spine; most patients benefit from surgical treatment. We treat club foot with repeated corrective plaster casts and congenital sacroiliac luxation with splints.

Tumors that present in growing children are generally benign, and surgery is only needed in a few cases. Malignant bone tumors are treated by a team of experts from various disciplines, and surgery is almost always only one part of the treatment.

The most demanding pediatric orthopedic and traumatological procedures are centrally performed in Uusimaa at the New Children’s Hospital. These include severe congenital malformations and developmental disorders; severe brachial plexus birth injury; malignant tumors; and demanding surgery to extend limbs and/or to correct posture.

The New Children’s Hospital is the national center for the following treatments, as mandated by Decree: demanding surgical treatment of childhood skeletal dysplasia, treatment of spinal injuries, and demanding surgical treatment of sarcomas.

Instructions for fracture care

Monitoring and treatment of a limb in a cast

1. The fractured limb may ache and it may swell after the cast has been put on. For the first few days, it is best to keep the casted limb mostly elevated above the level of the heart, for example with the help of pillows.

2. Toes or fingers outside the cast should remain mobile, normal in color, and warm. A good cast does not press any spot or compress too much. You should not experience any tingling or numbness on the limb. The limb may develop some injury-related bruising.

3. The cast must be checked once or twice a week. It should be clean and sturdy, but it should not feel tight.

If the topmost bandages are too loose/tight, you will need to re-bandage them so that they are suitably supportive.
Please note that there are different types of casts depending on the type of fracture. Not all casts can be tightened.

4. The cast must be kept dry. Going to sauna and swimming are forbidden.

The cast must be protected with a towel and a plastic bag while washing. Modern cast materials do not break down when exposed to moisture, but the soft padding under the cast must be kept dry to prevent it from irritating the skin.

Contact us, if

The cast breaks, becomes loose / comes off.
There is pain in the casted limb, and pain medication and elevation of the limb do not help.
Circulation in fingers or toes is not sufficient (blueish colour / loss of sensation).
The cast gets wet to the degree that dampness inside the cast may damage the skin or the limb itches severely. Don’t stick anything inside the cast!
If there is cut / surgical wound under the cast and you think it may be infected (worsened pain and smell).

Contact information

Medical Helpline, for medical advice, tel. 116 117
Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, New Children’s Hospital phone service tel. 09 471 73006 (select line 3), Mon–Fri 8:00–11:00 a.m. and 1:00–2:00 p.m.

weight-bearing-exercises.pdf(pdf 188.59 KB)

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instructions-on-how-to-walk-with-crutches.pdf(pdf 406.15 KB)

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exercises-for-recovering-ankle-range-of-motion.pdf(pdf 196.98 KB)

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shoulder-exercises.pdf(pdf 204.93 KB)

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exercises-for-recovering-knee-range-of-motion.pdf(pdf 274.09 KB)

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wrist-exercises.pdf(pdf 255.43 KB)

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finger-exercises.pdf(pdf 267.39 KB)

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Lastentalo (in Finnish) (opens in new window, links to another website)

Terveyskylä.fi

Lastentalo.fi is a specialized health care service that contains information about children’s diseases, treatment, and treatment preparation (available in Finnish).