Growth

When a Paediatric Orthopaedic Assessment May Be Useful During Growth

Preventive orthopaedic evaluation at key stages of growth.

Updated: September 2026·Medically reviewed by Dr. Daniele Priano

Quick Answers

How often is an orthopaedic check-up useful?
There is no fixed schedule that applies to all children, and healthy children with no concerns do not need a routine series of orthopaedic visits. An evaluation is worth considering when there is a specific doubt, an asymmetry, pain, a gait change, a paediatrician's referral, or a specific concern raised during a sports-medicine assessment. In the presence of family history or specific concerns, follow-ups are tailored to the individual case.
My child seems fine: is a preventive visit really necessary?
If there is no doubt, asymmetry, pain, gait change, or referral, a routine visit is not mandatory. That said, some evolving conditions (mild scoliosis, limb length differences, foot alignment changes) can initially be asymptomatic; if a parent or paediatrician has any specific doubt, a targeted evaluation is a reasonable way to check that development is on track.
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A barefoot child at a stadiometer during a paediatric check-up, with the mother present.

Start with paediatric checks

Growth, development and symptoms guide follow-up. The need for orthopaedic assessment is individual.

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Most children grow without ever needing a dedicated orthopaedic visit. An orthopaedic assessment can be useful, however, in specific circumstances: when there is a doubt raised by parents or the paediatrician, a specific referral, an asymmetry, persistent pain, a gait change, or before/after sport-related injuries.

During the visit we look at lower limb alignment, foot shape and weight-bearing, pelvic and shoulder symmetry, the spine, and how the child walks and runs. It is also an opportunity to discuss with parents sport, footwear, posture, school backpacks, and daily activity management in a way that fits the child's age and individual features.

There is no mandatory schedule of visits for healthy children. Ages such as school start, the pre-pubertal phase, or the start of a demanding sport can be indicative occasions to consider an evaluation, particularly if a doubt, asymmetry, pain, gait change, or a paediatrician's referral is present.

Dott. Daniele Priano - Ortopedico Pediatrico

📋Assessment when there is a clinical reason

A concern raised by the paediatrician, a risk factor, pain, asymmetry or a change in walking can justify assessment. Healthy children without symptoms do not need a universal schedule of specialist orthopaedic visits. Routine paediatric care and specific pathways, such as infant hip screening, remain important; further orthopaedic reviews depend on the findings.

Assessment and treatment

When to seek evaluation

  • A paediatrician's referral or specific concern
  • Asymmetry, persistent pain, or a gait change noticed by parents
  • Before competitive sport, only if there is pain, asymmetry, a previous injury, a functional limitation, or a doubt raised by the paediatrician or sports-medicine physician
  • After a sports injury requiring reassessment
  • Family history of scoliosis or other conditions, if there is doubt

What is evaluated

  • Lower limb axis
  • Feet and plantar arch
  • Spine and scoliosis screening
  • General posture
  • Limb length equality

Treatment options

  • Reassurance and no further action if findings are normal variants
  • Monitoring if mild findings
  • Specific treatment if pathologies detected
  • Exercise and activity recommendations
  • Follow-up only when clinically indicated

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is an orthopaedic check-up useful?▼
There is no fixed schedule that applies to all children, and healthy children with no concerns do not need a routine series of orthopaedic visits. An evaluation is worth considering when there is a specific doubt, an asymmetry, pain, a gait change, a paediatrician's referral, or a specific concern raised during a sports-medicine assessment. In the presence of family history or specific concerns, follow-ups are tailored to the individual case.
My child seems fine: is a preventive visit really necessary?▼
If there is no doubt, asymmetry, pain, gait change, or referral, a routine visit is not mandatory. That said, some evolving conditions (mild scoliosis, limb length differences, foot alignment changes) can initially be asymptomatic; if a parent or paediatrician has any specific doubt, a targeted evaluation is a reasonable way to check that development is on track.
Is a check-up useful before competitive sports?▼
Not as a routine step for every child: an orthopaedic assessment does not replace the sports-medicine clearance visit, which remains the reference evaluation before competitive sport. A dedicated orthopaedic evaluation is useful in addition when there is pain, an asymmetry, a previous injury, a functional limitation, or a specific doubt raised by the paediatrician or the sports-medicine physician.

Important Notice: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Each clinical case is unique: the appropriate treatment is determined during the specialist consultation, based on a thorough clinical examination and, where necessary, diagnostic imaging. For any doubts or concerns, please consult a specialist.