When surgery is suggested for a child, parents often feel a mix of urgency and fear. The word “surgery” itself can make families anxious, leading them to either rush into decisions or avoid them altogether. In paediatric orthopedics, neither approach is ideal.
According to Dr. Vishal Chandak, one of the most trusted paediatric orthopedic surgeons in Marathwada, the quality of questions parents ask before surgery often determines the quality of outcomes a child achieves later in life.
Surgery in children is not just about fixing a problem today—it is about safeguarding growth, movement, and independence for decades to come.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters in Paediatric Orthopedics
Children are still growing. Their bones, joints, muscles, and growth plates are constantly changing. A surgical decision taken today can influence:
- Final limb alignment
- Walking and running pattern
- Height and posture
- Risk of future deformities
- Need for repeat surgeries
This is why informed parents make better decisions—and informed decisions lead to better long-term results.
Question 1: Is Surgery the Only Option Right Now?
This is the first and most important question.
Parents should always ask:
- Can this condition improve with observation?
- Is physiotherapy or bracing an option?
- Is growth correction possible without surgery?
- What happens if we wait and monitor?
In many paediatric orthopedic conditions—such as mild deformities or early-stage issues—timing is more important than immediate intervention.
Question 2: What Happens If We Do Not Operate Now?
Understanding the consequences of waiting is crucial.
Parents should ask:
- Will the deformity worsen with growth?
- Will delaying surgery make correction harder later?
- Can delay affect walking or posture permanently?
- Is there a “best age” window for treatment?
A good surgeon explains both action and inaction clearly, without pressure.
Question 3: How Will This Surgery Affect My Child’s Growth?
This question separates paediatric specialists from general practice.
Parents should seek clarity on:
- Growth plate involvement
- Risk of limb length difference
- Chances of angular deformity later
- Impact on final height and alignment
In children, protecting growth plates is often more important than perfect immediate correction.
Question 4: What Are the Long-Term Outcomes of This Surgery?
Instead of focusing only on the immediate recovery, parents should ask:
- How will my child walk 5–10 years from now?
- Will this surgery limit sports or physical activity?
- Is there a chance of recurrence?
- Will additional surgeries be needed during growth?
Paediatric orthopedic success is measured in years, not weeks.
Question 5: What Are the Risks and Complications?
Every surgery has risks, and parents deserve transparency.
Important points to ask about:
- Infection risk
- Implant-related issues
- Overcorrection or undercorrection
- Stiffness or muscle imbalance
- Need for future revision
Clear discussion builds trust and realistic expectations
Question 6: What Does Recovery Look Like?
Recovery is not the same for every child.
Parents should ask:
- How long will immobilisation last?
- Will my child need physiotherapy?
- When can normal activities resume?
- When can school and play restart?
- What support will be needed at home?
Understanding recovery prevents frustration and improves compliance.
Question 7: Will My Child Need Physiotherapy or Rehabilitation?
Surgery is often just one part of treatment.
Parents should clarify:
- Whether physiotherapy is essential
- Duration and frequency of sessions
- Role of exercises at home
- Importance of follow-up visits
Rehabilitation often determines how functional the final result will be.
Question 8: Is a Second Opinion Advisable?
Parents should never hesitate to ask this.
A confident paediatric orthopedic surgeon will:
- Encourage clarity
- Welcome second opinions
- Support informed decision-making
Second opinions do not delay care—they strengthen confidence.
Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid
Before surgery, parents often:
- Agree too quickly out of fear
- Delay unnecessarily due to confusion
- Rely on phone or online advice only
- Compare children’s cases with others
- Focus only on X-rays, not function
Each child’s condition is unique and requires personalised evaluation.
Why Face-to-Face Evaluation Matters Before Surgery
Paediatric orthopedic decisions cannot be made based on reports alone.
In-person evaluation allows the doctor to assess:
- Gait and posture
- Muscle balance
- Joint movement
- Functional limitations
- Growth trends
This level of assessment is impossible over calls or messages.
A Reassuring Truth for Parents
Sometimes, after all questions are answered, surgery remains the best option. When parents understand why surgery is needed, they move forward with confidence rather than fear.
Well-planned paediatric surgery, done at the right time and for the right reasons, can:
- Restore mobility
- Prevent future deformities
- Improve quality of life
- Reduce need for repeated interventions
Final Thought
Surgery is not a decision parents should fear—but it is one they should understand.
Asking the right questions does not mean challenging the doctor. It means standing up for a child’s future.