ABSTRACT
In 1741 the Parisian Professor Nicholas Andry coined the term ‘orthopaedics’ by combing the two Greek words ‘orthos’, meaning straight, and ‘paidios’ meaning child. The specialty name therefore literally means ‘the straightening of children’. Surgery for orthopaedic procedures in children may be simple or complex. However, many patients have complex medical and/or congenital comorbidities making anaesthesia high risk even for the simplest of interventions. Good communication among the anaesthetist, orthopaedic surgeon, operating room staff, physiotherapist, parents and other relevant personnel is essential for a successful outcome.
