Pediatric Orthopedics
Pediatric orthopedics is a specialty that deals with the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal problems including the growing bones, joints, or muscles in children (newborns to teenagers). Pediatric orthopaedic doctors focus their medical practice on the care of children and are trained in special skills in pediatric orthopedics as an additional subspecialty.
Musculoskeletal problems and their evaluation/treatment in children differ from those of an adult. In children, musculoskeletal problems arise due to growth which does not occur in adults. The complex musculoskeletal disorders in children are best treated by a medical-surgical approach by a pediatric orthopaedic doctor.
Some of the common conditions treated by pediatric orthopaedic doctors include,
- Deformities of the limb and spine, present at birth or later, such as limb length discrepancy, scoliosis, and club foot
- Abnormalities in gait/limping
- Fractures
- Infections or tumors in the bone or joint
Depending on your child’s condition, Pediatric orthopedists provide appropriate non-surgical or surgical treatments to address the problems. They are specialists trained in managing your child’s anxiety and discomfort.