The Pediatric Orthopaedic Examination

By admin Last updated Dec 11, 2022

Ovid: Pediatrics

Editors: Tornetta, Paul; Einhorn, Thomas A.; Cramer, Kathryn E.; Scherl, Susan A.

Title: Pediatrics, 1st Edition

> Table of Contents > Section I: – Outpatient Clinic > 1 – The Pediatric Orthopaedic Examination

The Pediatric Orthopaedic Examination

Brian T. Carney

In 1992, in his address as First Vice President to the
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hensinger spoke of the
responsibilities of orthopaedists to society. He noted that Hippocrates
provided the initial ethical principle for us to be honest, truthful,
and to have a scientific approach to patient care: to “do no harm.”
Hensinger challenged us to aspire to the highest level of knowledge,
education, and research: to “do good.” Caring for children provides an
opportunity to have an impact not only on their lives but also on the
members of their immediate family and society at large.

The orthopaedic care of the child begins with your
examination. The pediatric orthopaedic examination is a tool in
evidence-based medicine. If your examination is associated with human
research, then appropriate protection of privacy and informed consent
are needed. The recording of information and measurements will both
contribute to the care and satisfaction of individual children and
their families, as well as provide a record for review. As such, your
examination is part of a medicolegal document. This chapter provides
suggestions for the pediatric orthopaedic examination. Specific
examination techniques are covered in the chapters that follow.

DEVELOPMENT

Children are unique and should not be thought of as
small adults. The growth and development from infancy to maturity
constitutes a significant difference relative to adults and among
children themselves. Growth should be considered in both your diagnosis
and treatment. Developmental milestones can be screened by the Denver
Developmental Screening Test (DDST). The DDST is a standardized device
used to assess the development of preschool children (Table 1-1).

Bleck has outlined prognostic indicators for walking in
children with the developmental delay seen in cerebral palsy. Primitive
reflexes that persist longer than 3 months of age may indicate a fixed
motor—brain defect (Fig. 1-1). Testing is done
after 12 months of age. If no abnormal responses are seen, there is a
good prognosis that the child will walk. If two or more abnormal
responses are present, there is a poor prognosis that the child will
walk.

THE PROCESS

Covey notes that one of the seven habits of highly
successful people is to begin with an end in mind. The goal of the
pediatric orthopaedist is to arrive with a diagnosis. DeGowin and
DeGowin have likened the physician to a detective. You have to gather
information regarding a specific problem (history) and confirm or
disprove your case (diagnosis) by the evidence (examination).

First Impressions

You only get one opportunity to make a first impression.
The dynamics of dependence requires your interaction with at least two
individuals, the child and the parent. For consistency, “parent” and
“family” will be used when referring to the child’s caregivers—mother,
father, relative, or guardian. When you first meet the child and
family, greet and identify all individuals in the examination room.
Identify yourself, your role, and what you will be doing. Offer a form
of greeting such as a handshake to include the child. Do what is
natural for you. Wearing a white coat may create anxiety and complicate
your evaluation of the child. Most children have some anxiety, possibly
reinforced by the parent, about a visit to the doctor, and the
formality of a white coat may exacerbate this anxiety. The parent may
claim your white coat is making the situation difficult. Removing your
coat later may not resolve that difficulty.

TABLE 1-1 DENVER DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING TEST

Developmental Milestone	Age of Achievement by 90% of Children^a
Rolling over	5 mo
Sitting without support	8 mo
Pulling self up to stand	10 mo
Walking well	15 mo
Hopping on one foot	5 yr
^aFailure on an item achieved by 90% of children should be considered a “delay.”

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Figure 1-1 Testing for cerebral palsy-associated developmental delays. (A)
The asymmetric tonic neck reflex is positive when a fencing
posture—flexion of the limbs on the skull side and extension of the
limbs on the face side—is assumed on turning the head sharply to one
side. This is abnormal after 12 months of age. (B)
The neck-righting reflex is positive when the body can be log-rolled by
turning only the head. This response is abnormal after 12 months of
age. (C) The Moro reflex is positive when
there is abduction of the upper limbs followed by an embrace in
response to a loud noise, such as a clap of the hands, or to jarring of
the table. This is also abnormal after 12 months of age. (D):
Extensor thrust is elicited by holding the child upright by the axillae
and lowering the feet to the floor or a table surface. Progressive
extension of the lower limbs and trunk is abnormal at any age. (E)
The protective parachute reaction involves lowering the supine child to
the table. Automatic hand placement should be present by at least 15
months of age. Hand withdrawal is never normal. (Adapted from Bleck EE.
Cerebral palsy. In: Staheli LT. Pediatric orthopaedic secrets.
Philadelphia: Hanley & Belfus, 1998:348-358.)

Interview

Be sensitive to the child and parent. Consider excusing
all but the child and his or her primary caregiver(s) from the
examination room (i.e., siblings and other relatives or friends brought
along for moral support). Take the family’s concerns seriously and
listen carefully. Medical evaluation is sought for a problem that needs
to be defined. Common concerns include pain, deformity, clumsiness,
weakness, and stiffness. The history of present illness provides the
background. Try to obtain the chief complaint directly from a
school-age child or adolescent and verify the information with the
parent. The complaint needs to be welldefined (described) including who
has the concern and why. Symptoms can usually be dated to when
something was first thought to be wrong or different. Follow the
history of present illness in a clear, chronologic fashion. Note onset,
setting in which the problem developed, and treatment. Symptoms should
be related to location, severity, timing (onset, duration, frequency),
and what aggravates or remits. Many symptoms are related to
use/overuse/abuse, movement, or injury.

The birth and family history are important in the evaluation of the child:

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Birth history: inquiries of prenatal maternal bleeding, infection, medications, trauma
Childbirth delivery information: presentation, type of delivery, difficulty of delivery, infant distress
Neonatal information: Apgar scores, need for oxygen/ventilator support, duration of hospitalization
Family history: inquiries about the
presence of scoliosis, clubfoot, hip dysplasia, skeletal dysplasia, and
neuromuscular disorders, as well as similar presentation of the chief
complaint.

The effects of previous treatment may affect
expectations. Alternative treatments may have been received. Often, the
information will not be volunteered so you must ask about dietary,
herbal, energy, or manipulative interventions.

Examination

Respect modesty while still performing an adequate
examination. Shorts and T-shirts appear to be comfortable for children
of all ages and should be readily available. Never miss an opportunity
to examine the child without actually touching. Examine younger
children in while on their parent’s lap. If the parent/caregiver is
absent, have a professional present to observe and chaperone. Observe
action such as gait, mobility, arm swing/preference, guarding,
climbing, and playing. Perform your examination without appearing to do
so. Make your first touch innocuous and nonthreatening in areas you
know do not hurt. If there is resistance, the parent should realize the
difficulty you are facing and observe that any negative response is not
due to pain. By examining the normal, asymptomatic limb first, you will
have a comparison. Minimize discomfort without compromising purpose. If
you are unable to examine, then ask the parent to palpate and perform
motion while you observe. Recognize, and have the parent acknowledge,
when you are unable to get an adequate examination. Do not presume a
finding or give up out of frustration.

Closure

Avoid criticizing others and any previous care received.
Try to agree as much as possible with the parents regarding their
observations when discussing findings. Appear calm and unhurried, even
if that is not the case. Take the time to sit down and discuss the
results of the examination with the child and parent. If the parents
are rushed, they will feel that you have not devoted the appropriate
time or concern. When the problem is complex and needs more time, you
can inform the parents that you will consult with others before you can
provide a definitive answer or plan. Set a specific time for follow-up.
Oftentimes the understanding of the parents may be lacking and
additional visits will be helpful.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Hoppenfeld has organized the physical examination into
inspection, palpation, range of motion, neurologic examination, special
tests, and examination of related areas.

Palpate bony landmarks, particularly relative to
tenderness. Recognize and record deformity and measure with a
goniometer. Deformity is described as the relationship of the distal
segment relative to the proximal. Determine whether the deformity is
bone, joint, or soft tissue. Can the deformity be passively corrected
or is it fixed? Is there associated spasm or tenderness to palpation?

Specific joint range of motions and some primary motor muscles/nerves are recorded (Table 1-2). Muscle strength should be graded (Table 1-3). Peripheral pulses and digital capillary refill should be noted.

Neurologic

Test light touch with a cotton tissue or wisp. If
abnormal, then note the demarcation between intact and altered
sensation. Limb tightness can represent contracture or tone
abnormalities. Spastically is a velocity-dependent change in tone. With
fast stretch there is greater resistance than with slow stretch. The
up-going plantar response (Babinski sign) can be normal in 10% of
neonates and persist up to 2 years of age. Three to six beats of ankle
clonus can be found in normal individuals, but sustained ankle clonus
suggests severe central nervous system disease. Abdominal reflexes are
stimulated by gently stroking the abdomen in a lateral-to-medial
direction toward the umbilicus. The reflexes should be present
bilaterally. Unilateral absence is usually associated with some
corticospinal impairment. In children with cerebral palsy, muscle
control rather than strength is assessed because of the inability for
selective motor control. If you find mild spasticity in one limb and
are not sure whether there is hemiplegia, ask the child to run in the
hallway. If there is hemiplegia, one upper limb will have a flexed
posture when running.

Laxity

Joint hyperlaxity is described by the presence of five features:

Metacarpophalangeal dorsiflexion greater than 90 degrees
Elbow recurvatum more than 10 degrees
Maximum wrist palmar flexion so that the thumb touches the volar forearm
Knee recurvatum more than 10 degrees
Ankle dorsiflexion greater than 60 degrees.

Clicks are usually innocuous and related to laxity. They
are not infrequent in children and little is required except to
discourage a voluntary component. Ligament tears are demonstrated by
joint space opening and graded as interstitial (I), partial (II), or
complete (III).

Newborn Screen

The newborn screen should include assessment of
spontaneous and stimulated movement. Spine and skin should be
inspected. Foot position and flexibility should be noted. An algorithm
has been developed for foot deformities

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(Algorithm 1-1).
Note whether the forefoot is adducted. If the forefoot is adducted,
then note whether the hindfoot is in varus (clubfoot) or not
(metatarsus adductus). If the forefoot is abducted, then note whether
the hindfoot is in equinus (vertical talus) or not. If the hindfoot is
in calcaneus, then note whether tibial bowing is present or not
(postural calcaneovalgus). Hip instability signs should be assessed by
the Barlow (positive, meaning a reduced hip that is dislocatable) and
Ortolani maneuvers (positive, meaning a dislocated hip that is
reducible).

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TABLE 1-2 JOINT MOTION AND PRIMARY MOTOR MUSCLE, NERVE, AND ROOT

Joint/Motion		Degrees	Muscle	Nerve	Root
Shoulder
	Abduction	180	Middle portion of the deltoid	Axillary	C5+C6
			Supraspinatus	Suprascapular	C5+C6
	Adduction	45	Pectoralis major	Medial and lateral anterior thoracic	C5+C6+C7+C8+T1
			Latissimus dorsi	Thoracodorsal	C6+C7+C8
	Flexion	90	Anterior portion of the deltoid	Axillary	C7
			Coracobrachialis	Musculocutaneous	C5+C6
	Extension	45	Latissimus dorsi	Thoracodorsal	C6+C7+C8
			Teres major	Lower subscapular	C5+C6
			Posterior portion of the deltoid	Axillary	C5+C6
	Internal rotation	55	Subscapularis	Upper and lower subscapular	C5+C6
			Pectoralis major	Medial and lateral anterior thoracic	C5+C6+C7+C8+T1
			Latissimus dorsi	Thoracodorsal	C6+C7+C8
			Teres major	Lower subscapular	C5+C6
	External rotation	40-45	Infraspinatus	Suprascapular	C5+C6
			Teres minor	Branch of the axillary	C5
Elbow
	Flexion	135+	Brachialis	Musculocutaneous	C5+C6
			Biceps when forearm supinated	Musculocutaneous	C5+C6
	Extension	0-5	Triceps	Radial	C7
	Supination	90	Biceps	Musculocutaneous	C5+C6
			Supinator	Radial	C6
	Pronation	90	Pronator teres	Median	C6
			Pronator quadratus	Anterior interosseous branch of median	C8-T1
Wrist
	Flexion	80	Flexor carpi radialis	Median	C7
			Flexor carpi ulnaris	Ulnar	C8
	Extension	70	Extensor carpi radialis longus	Radial	C6
			Extensor carpi radialis brevis	Radial	C6
			Extensor carpi ulnaris	Radial	C7
	Ulnar deviation	30
	Radial deviation	20
Finger MCP
	Flexion	90	Medial two lumbricals	Ulnar	C8
			Lateral two lumbricals	Median	C7
	Extension	30-45	Extensor digitorum communis, extensor indicis, extensor digiti minimi	Radial	C7
	Abduction	20	Dorsal interossei	Ulnar	C8+T1
			Abductor digiti minimi	Ulnar	C8+T1
	Adduction		Palmar interossei	Ulnar	C8+T1
Finger PIP
	Flexion	100	Flexor digitorum superficialis	Median	C7+C8+T1
	Extension	0	Extensor digitorum communis, extensor indicis, extensor digiti minimis	Radial	C7
Finger DIP
	Flexion	90	Flexor digitorum profundus	Ulnar; anterior interosseous of median	C8+T1
	Extension	20	Extensor digitorum communis, extensor indicis, extensor digiti minimi	Radial	C7
Thumb
	Palmar abduction	70	Abductor pollicis longus	Radial	C7
			Abductor pollicis brevis	Median	C6+C7
	Dorsal adduction	0	Adductor pollicis	Ulnar	C8
Thumb MCP
	Flexion	50	Flexor pollicis brevis—medial	Ulnar	C8
			Flexor pollicis brevis—lateral	Median	C6+C7
	Extension	0	Extensor pollicis brevis	Radial	C7
Thumb IP
	Flexion	90	Flexor pollicis longus	Median	C8+T1
	Extension	20	Extensor pollicis longus	Radial	C7
Hip
	Flexion	120	Iliopsoas	Femoral	L1+L2+L3
	Extension	30	Gluteus maximus	Inferior gluteal	S1
	Abduction	45-50	Gluteus medius	Superior gluteal	L5
	Adduction	20-30	Adductor longus	Obturator	L2+L3+L4
	Internal rotation	35
	External rotation	45
Knee
	Flexion	135	Semimembranosus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris	Tibial portion of sciatic	L5+S1
	Extension	0	Quadriceps	Femoral	L2+L3+L4
	Internal rotation	10
	External rotation	10
Ankle
	Dorsiflexion	20	Tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus	Deep peroneal	L4+L5
	Plantarflexion	50	Peroneus longus and brevis	Superficial peronea	S1
			Gastrocnemius soleus, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus, tibialis posterior	Tibial	L5+S1+S2
Subtalar
	Inversion	5
	Eversion	5
Forefoot
	Adduction	20
	Abduction	10
First MTP
	Flexion	45
	Extension	70-90
DIP, distal interphalangeal; IP, interphalangeal; MCP, metacarpophalangeal; MTP, metatarsophalangeal; PIP, proximal interphalangeal.

TABLE 1-3 GRADING OF MUSCLE STRENGTH

Grade	Strength	Description
5	Normal	Complete ROM against gravity with full resistance
4	Good	Complete ROM against gravity with some resistance
3	Fair	Complete ROM against gravity
2	Poor	Complete ROM with gravity eliminated
1	Trace	Evidence of slight contractility; no joint motion
0	Zero	No evidence of contractility
ROM, range of motion.

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Algorithm 1-1
Assessment of foot deformity. (Adapted from Birch JG. Foot deformity.
In: Bucholz RW, ed. Orthopaedic decision making, 2nd ed. St Louis:
Mosby-Year Book, 1996:242.)

Angular Deformity

An algorithm has been developed for angular deformity (Algorithm 1-2).
Most angular deformities in the lower extremities are in the knee
region. Children should be assessed relative to age. Varus deformity
(bowleg) is normal between birth and 18 months of age. Varus deformity
that persists after the age of 18 months is asymmetric or is associated
with injury or infection and requires further evaluation. Findings of
poor general health, short stature, and multiple long bone or joint
deformities suggest metabolic disease or dysplasia. Children between 18
months and 6 years of age typically show symmetric genu valgum
(knock-knee). The knock-knee is maximal at 3 to 4 years of age and
assumes the average mature alignment of slight genu valgum by 6 to 7
years of age. If the knock-knee is asymmetric, worsens after 4 years of
age, or is excessive after 7 years of age, then further evaluation is
indicated.

Torsional Deformity

An algorithm has been developed for management of torsional problems (Algorithm 1-3).
Torsional problems, intoeing and out-toeing, often concern parents and
frequently prompt evaluation. The lower limb rotates medially during
the seventh fetal week to bring the great toe to midline. With growth,
femoral anteversion

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decreases
from 30 degrees at birth to 10 degrees at maturity and the tibia
laterally rotates from 5 degrees medial at birth to 15 degrees lateral
at maturity. Lower extremity rotational alignment includes assessment
of walking (foot progression), lateral border of the foot (adducted in
metatarsus adductus), the thigh—foot angle (tibial torsion), and hip
range of motion.

Algorithm 1-2
Assessment of angular deformity. (Adapted from Birch JG. Angular
deformity. In: Bucholz RW, ed. Orthopaedic decision making, 2nd ed. St
Louis: Mosby-Year Book, 1996:334.)

Scoliosis Screening

Screening for scoliosis includes observation of shoulder
heights and belt line for asymmetry. The iliac crests can be palpated
and visually assessed regarding possible limb length discrepancy. Minor
degrees of body side differences are not unusual. The forward bend test
is performed looking for a thoracic/rib or lumbar prominence. A
scoliometer records asymmetry and can be used for screening.

PEARLS

Ask about activities the child enjoys.
Avoid threatening words like hurt, cut, and break.
Pain is significant in children, especially if it interferes with play or sleep.
Muscle pulls are uncommon in children.
Check the hip when a child complains of knee or thigh pain.
If hip examination and motion are not completely normal, obtain radiographs.
Asymmetric hip motion needs further evaluation.
Check the spine and perform a neurologic examination with foot deformities, especially unilateral.
Check the abdominal reflex in spinal deformity.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.

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Algorithm 1-3
Assessment of torsional deformity. (Adapted from Staheli LT.
Fundamentals of pediatric orthopaedics. New York: Raven Press,
1992:4-5.)

SUMMARY

The orthopaedic care of the child begins with your
examination. Be thorough, be complete, and be focused. Start with the
end in mind. Aspire to be the best you can be and to do good for the
children you treat and their families. This chapter provides
suggestions for the pediatric orthopaedic examination. The diagnostic
chapters that follow will cover examination techniques, workup, and
treatment of specific pediatric orthopaedic disorders.