There was a time when parents in Marathwada believed that advanced paediatric orthopedic care was available only in big metropolitan cities. Families often travelled long distances, spent heavily, and delayed treatment simply because they felt specialised care closer to home did not exist.
That reality has changed.
Over the last decade, paediatric orthopedic care in Marathwada has evolved significantly—in expertise, approach, technology, and outcomes. According to Dr. Vishal Chandak, one of the most recognised paediatric orthopedic specialists in the region, this evolution has been driven by a shift from “basic treatment” to child-specific, growth-focused orthopedic care.
How Paediatric Orthopedic Care Looked Earlier
Traditionally, children with bone or joint problems were often:
- Treated by general orthopedicians
- Managed using adult treatment principles
- Advised delayed or unnecessary surgery
- Asked to “wait and watch” without structured follow-up
Common challenges included:
- Limited understanding of growth plate injuries
- Lack of deformity correction planning
- Inadequate rehabilitation support
- Over-reliance on X-rays, ignoring function
While intentions were good, outcomes were often inconsistent—especially for complex conditions.
What Has Changed Over the Years
Paediatric orthopedics today is no longer an extension of adult orthopedics. It is a dedicated speciality with its own principles.
Key changes include:
- Better understanding of growth patterns
- Focus on timing rather than urgency
- Preference for minimally invasive solutions
- Emphasis on long-term function over short-term correction
Children are now treated as growing individuals, not scaled-down adults.
Availability of Specialised Paediatric Orthopedic Expertise
One of the biggest changes in Marathwada has been the availability of trained paediatric orthopedic surgeons who focus exclusively on children.
This has led to:
- Accurate diagnosis at an early stage
- Personalised treatment plans
- Better management of complex deformities
- Reduced need for repeated surgeries later in life
Parents now have access to expert opinions without leaving the region.
Improved Management of Common Paediatric Conditions
With evolving expertise, outcomes have improved across several conditions, including:
- Clubfoot (CTEV)
- Paediatric fractures
- Limb deformities (bow legs, knock knees)
- Cerebral palsy-related orthopedic issues
- Growth plate injuries
- Gait abnormalities
Early intervention and structured follow-up have reduced complications and improved functional recovery.
Shift from “Correction” to “Function”
Perhaps the most important evolution has been in treatment philosophy.
Earlier focus:
- Straight bones
- Good-looking X-rays
Current focus:
- Independent walking
- Balanced movement
- Pain-free activity
- Normal participation in school and play
- Long-term mobility
This shift has transformed outcomes for children across the region.
Role of Better Diagnostics and Follow-Up
Today’s paediatric orthopedic care includes:
- Age-specific X-ray interpretation
- Growth tracking over time
- Functional assessment of gait and posture
- Planned follow-ups during growth spurts
Rather than one-time treatment, care is now viewed as a journey aligned with a child’s growth.
Reduced Need to Travel to Big Cities
With improved local expertise, parents in Marathwada:
- No longer need to travel repeatedly to metros
- Can access timely evaluation closer to home
- Receive continuity of care
- Avoid delays caused by distance and cost
This accessibility has played a major role in improving early diagnosis and outcomes.
What Parents Should Still Be Careful About
Despite progress, some challenges remain.
Parents should avoid:
- Ignoring early signs assuming the child will “outgrow” the problem
- Delaying consultation due to fear or misinformation
- Relying solely on online advice
- Choosing convenience over correct evaluation
Early specialist consultation remains the key.
What This Evolution Means for Parents Today
Parents in Marathwada today can expect:
- Ethical, child-focused treatment planning
- Clear communication and counselling
- Emphasis on growth preservation
- Better long-term outcomes for their children
The region has moved from limited access to informed choice.
Final Thought
The evolution of paediatric orthopedic care in Marathwada is not just about better treatment—it is about better understanding of childhood growth and future independence.
For parents, this means one important thing:
the right care, at the right time, is now closer than ever.