Medical Glossary

Congenital deformity with cavus, forefoot adduction, hindfoot varus and equinus. The Ponseti method is the standard treatment for idiopathic clubfoot.

Contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle that tilts the head to one side. Present from birth.

Forward orientation of the femoral neck relative to the knee condylar axis. Increased anteversion may contribute to in-toeing; it is not the same as simply rotating the hip inward.

A more posterior orientation of the femoral neck relative to the knee condylar axis. It may contribute to out-toeing, which can also have other causes.

Reduction or absence of the medial plantar arch. It is often a normal variant; persistence and shape alone do not require treatment. Pain, rigidity, asymmetry and function guide assessment.

Flatfoot that forms an arch when on tiptoes or at rest. Most common form, usually benign.

Ultrasound classification of the infant hip. Type I is mature; IIa must be interpreted for age, IIb indicates delayed maturation and IIc more marked dysplasia. D indicates decentring, while III and IV describe dislocation with different morphology. Classification must be considered alongside age and clinical stability: not every type II hip is physiologically immature.

Abnormal development of the hip joint where the femoral head is not well contained in the acetabulum. Diagnosed with ultrasound in newborns.

Accentuation of the thoracic kyphotic curve. Often postural, but can be structural (Scheuermann's disease).

An examination without ionising radiation to assess the hip in early infancy. Indication and timing follow the paediatric screening pathway, risk factors and clinical examination.

Difference in length between lower limbs. Can be real (bone) or functional (postural).

Medial deviation of the forefoot relative to the hindfoot. Common in newborns, often resolves spontaneously.

Disruption of the relationship between the radial head and annular ligament in young children, often after a pull on the arm. A child not using the limb needs assessment; do not attempt manoeuvres at home.

A group of conditions affecting maturing bone, with different sites, mechanisms and courses. Traction apophysitis affects developing tendon attachments and is not a synonym for every osteochondrosis.

Inflammation of the anterior tibial tuberosity. Causes pain below the knee in athletic adolescents.

Trunk orthosis used for conservative treatment of scoliosis. Types: Cheneau, Milwaukee, Boston.

A prefabricated or custom-made support worn inside a shoe that may help symptoms or function in selected cases. It does not guarantee permanent correction of foot shape.

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head in pediatric age (3-12 years). Causes hip/knee pain and limping.

Harness used for treating hip dysplasia in the first months of life.

Knee that extends excessively backward beyond the neutral position. Can be physiological in very flexible children.

Flatfoot that does not form an arch in any position. May indicate tarsal coalition or other abnormalities.

Slipping of the femoral head through the growth plate. Typical in adolescents, requires urgent intervention.

Lateral deviation of the spine with rotation of the vertebral bodies. Can be idiopathic, congenital, or neuromuscular.

Juvenile structural kyphosis with wedging of thoracic vertebrae. Causes back pain in adolescents.

Forward slippage of one vertebra over another. It may be associated with spondylolysis, but has different causes and does not occur only in athletes.

Stress fracture of the vertebral isthmus. May precede spondylolisthesis.

Inflammation of the calcaneal apophysis (heel). Causes heel pain in athletic children aged 8-14.

Inflammation of the inferior pole of the patella. Similar to Osgood-Schlatter but located higher.

Rotation of the tibia along its axis. Can be internal or external and affects foot direction during walking.

Deviation of a bone segment outward. In the knee, it causes 'knock knees' (genu valgum), common in children aged 2-7.

Deviation of a bone segment inward. In the knee, it causes 'bowlegs' (genu varum).