Learn about Skeletal Survey Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Skeletal Survey and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Skeletal Survey

A skeletal survey is a comprehensive radiographic imaging procedure performed by pediatric orthopedic specialists to evaluate the entire skeletal system of a child. It involves taking multiple X-ray images of all major bones, including the skull, spine, arms, legs, chest, and pelvis. This detailed assessment is crucial for diagnosing complex conditions affecting bone development, integrity, and structure. It is a non-invasive, low-radiation diagnostic tool that provides a complete anatomical overview, helping to identify fractures, bone dysplasias, metabolic bone diseases, infections, or tumors. The procedure is tailored for pediatric patients, ensuring minimal discomfort and maximum diagnostic yield to guide accurate treatment planning in pediatric orthopedics.

Key Highlights

    Provides a comprehensive, full-body assessment of the skeletal system in a single session.Non-invasive and generally painless, using low-dose radiation tailored for children.Essential for diagnosing complex or systemic bone disorders that may not be visible on isolated X-rays.Guides accurate treatment planning for fractures, infections, tumors, or genetic bone conditions.Performed by pediatric specialists who understand child-specific anatomy and radiation safety.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Suspected non-accidental trauma (child abuse) to identify multiple fractures of varying ages.
  • Evaluation of suspected skeletal dysplasias or genetic bone disorders (e.g., osteogenesis imperfecta).
  • Staging or monitoring of metastatic bone disease or primary bone tumors.
  • Diagnosis of systemic infections affecting bones, such as osteomyelitis or disseminated tuberculosis.
  • Assessment of metabolic bone diseases like rickets or osteoporosis in children.
  • Unexplained bone pain, swelling, or deformity with potential systemic cause.

How to prepare

  • No special dietary restrictions or fasting is typically required.
  • The child should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers, snaps, or ornaments.
  • Parents may need to help position and comfort the child during the procedure.
  • Inform the technician of any recent illnesses, allergies, or prior imaging studies.
  • For infants and toddlers, scheduling during nap time or bringing a comfort item can help.
  • Remove any jewelry, hair clips, or eyeglasses that may interfere with the images.

Risks & possible complications

  • Minimal exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation; the benefit of diagnosis outweighs this small risk.
  • Potential for anxiety or discomfort from having to hold still in various positions.
  • Very rare risk of an allergic reaction if contrast material is used (not standard for basic surveys).
  • Possible need for sedation in very young or uncooperative children, carrying its own minimal risks.
  • Findings may be inconclusive, potentially requiring additional imaging (e.g., MRI, CT).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • There is no recovery period as it is a diagnostic imaging procedure; normal activities can resume immediately.
  • No special post-procedure care or medication is needed.
  • The child may be tired if sedation was used; they should be monitored until fully alert.
  • Results are analyzed by a pediatric radiologist and orthopedic specialist, with a follow-up appointment to discuss findings and treatment plan.
  • Parents should ensure the child stays hydrated and rests if they experienced any stress during the procedure.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 0 days (immediate)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering skeletal survey in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for skeletal survey compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 3 Thousand – 8 Thousand 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 0 days (immediate) Know More
Turkey TRY 10.5 Thousand – 28 Thousand 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 0 days (immediate) Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Ananya Chopra is a 4-year-old girl...

Ananya Chopra is a 4-year-old girl who loves dancing to Bollywood songs. She lives with her parents and older brother in a close-knit family. Over the past six months, her parents noticed she was becoming increasingly reluctant to run and play, often saying her legs hurt. She had sustained two seemingly minor fractures, one from a small tumble off a couch, another from tripping on a rug, that seemed disproportionate to the force involved. Her pediatrician, concerned by the history of easy fracturing and Ananya's occasional blue tinge to the whites of her eyes, referred her to Pediatric Orthopedics. The specialist, Dr. Mehta, gently explained that they needed a 'bone picture map' called a skeletal survey to check all her bones for signs of weakness or old fractures they might have missed. The procedure was long and intimidating for a small child; Ananya was scared of the big machine and had to hold very still for many different pictures. Her mother stayed by her side, singing her favorite songs to comfort her. The skeletal survey revealed multiple old, healing rib fractures and classic bone changes, leading to a diagnosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease). While the diagnosis was difficult to hear, it provided a clear path forward. Ananya started on a bisphosphonate infusion therapy to strengthen her bones. The 'why' was finally answered, ending months of fear and confusion. Her parents felt empowered with a management plan, and Ananya, with physical therapy and precautions, is slowly regaining confidence, dancing carefully in the living room once more.

Pediatric Orthopedics for Skeletal Survey

Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform skeletal survey and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Neeraj Gupta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prashanth Inna
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Nandi
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated