KGMU launches app for ortho problems among children

LUCKNOW: Getting information on orthopaedic problems among children will now be a click away with the ‘Baal Asthi Mitra App’ launched by the department of Paediatric Orthopaedics at the King George’s Medical University on Sunday.

“The app is in Hindi, easy to operate, patient-friendly, and presently can be downloaded through a link. Soon it would be available on the play store. The app contains all the basic information about our department, its faculty and has a FAQ about various paediatric orthopaedic related conditions,” said HoD Prof Ajai Singh.

The UP Orthopaedic Association and department of Paediatric Orthopaedics KGMU launched the app during a skill enhancement refresher course on ‘Clubfeet’ on Sunday.

More than 101 doctors registered for this hands-on workshop. Special emphasis was on sessions on parents’ counselling and training of paramedics.

“Experts in the sessions discussed the mistakes doctors do while recognising the clubfoot among children and also while treating. Sometimes an incorrect plaster may lead to revision surgery,” said Prof Singh.

Tips and tricks of treatment were also discussed, among the participating doctors, who had come from across the state.

He said counselling of parents was also significant to recognise the clubfoot and also when to take the child to the doctor.

“We also discussed how social stigma has deprived children of treatment and how if the parents make the right decision at the correct time, it can help in getting a good treatment,” said Prof Singh.

The birth prevalence of clubfoot is 1.2 per 1000 live births in India.

The deformity is seen as a social stigma and leads to immense mental and physical stress to the patients. If left untreated, the deformity will lead to an abnormal gait. The timely treatment of clubfoot is highly effective and makes the child normal, said Prof Singh.