Pediatric Orthopaedics

Overview

Pediatric orthopaedics focuses on musculoskeletal problems in children. A child’s body responds differently to injuries and deformities than an adult’s body would. Because children are still growing, they often have orthopaedic conditions that do not occur in adults and require different types of evaluation and treatment processes.

Orthopaedic Conditions In Children

In some cases, musculoskeletal problems may be present at birth. In other cases, problems may develop as a result of abnormal growth or an injury. Common orthopaedic problems in children include limb and spine deformities like clubfoot and scoliosis, gait abnormalities, fractures, bone or joint infections, and tumors.

Pediatric Orthopaedic Treatment

Because children’s bodies often respond to orthopaedic problems differently than adults, the treatment process may be different. Children are not always able to fully explain the problem or answer the doctor’s questions. A pediatric orthopaedic specialist is trained to properly examine, diagnose, and treat problems in children. Some orthopaedic problems in children may resolve over time, and some may require long-term treatment and management. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons treat orthopaedic problems in any child that is still growing, from newborn babies through teenagers.