Pediatric Orthopaedics

Pediatric Orthopaedics is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing bone, joint, and muscle conditions in children, from newborns to teenagers. Since children’s bodies are still growing, they require specialized care different from that of adults. Pediatric orthopaedic specialists address various issues, such as congenital deformities, fractures, scoliosis, and growth-related conditions, ensuring children develop and move properly as they grow. 

Our team of experienced pediatric orthopaedic specialists understands that children’s bodies are different from adults, requiring tailored treatments to ensure healthy growth and development. These specialists are trained to treat conditions in a way that accounts for the unique needs of developing bones and tissues, providing both non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to each child’s condition.

Common Pediatric Orthopaedic Conditions

Children can face a variety of orthopaedic conditions that affect their movement, posture, and overall health. These conditions often require specialized care, as a child’s bones and joints are still developing and need to be treated differently from adults. Here are some of the most common pediatric orthopaedic issues we manage:

1. Congenital Deformities

Congenital deformities are structural abnormalities that are present at birth. These conditions can affect the way a child’s bones, muscles, or joints develop, often requiring early intervention to correct or manage. Common congenital deformities include:

• Clubfoot: A condition where a newborn’s foot is twisted out of shape or position. Without treatment, it can affect walking ability and cause long-term disability. Early intervention through bracing or surgery is often required.
• Hip Dysplasia: This condition occurs when the hip socket is not properly formed, leading to potential dislocation or poor joint function. Hip dysplasia can range from mild to severe and may require treatments like bracing or surgery to correct the alignment.
• Limb Differences: Some children are born with differences in limb length or structure, such as one leg being shorter than the other or missing parts of a limb. Treatments vary depending on the severity, ranging from physical therapy to limb-lengthening procedures or prosthetics.

2. Fractures

Children are highly active, which makes them more prone to accidents and injuries, including broken bones (fractures). Unlike adult fractures, pediatric fractures involve growth plates, the areas of growing tissue near the ends of long bones. Proper management is crucial to ensure that the bones heal correctly without affecting the child’s future growth. Common fracture types in children include:

• Greenstick fractures: The bone bends and cracks, but does not break completely, due to the flexibility of a child’s bones.
• Growth plate fractures: Injuries to the growth plates can potentially lead to complications with bone growth if not treated properly. Our team offers child-specific care, using treatments such as casting, splinting, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention to ensure proper healing and minimize long-term effects.

3. Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition where a child’s spine develops an abnormal sideways curvature, typically appearing in late childhood or early adolescence. If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to complications such as chronic pain or breathing difficulties due to pressure on internal organs. The severity of scoliosis varies:

• Mild cases may only need monitoring and physical therapy to strengthen muscles.
• Moderate to severe cases may require bracing or surgery to prevent the curvature from worsening. Early detection is key, as timely intervention can prevent further complications and help children maintain normal posture and mobility.

4. Growth Plate Injuries

Growth plates are areas of developing tissue at the ends of long bones in children and adolescents. These plates are responsible for bone growth and are more susceptible to injury because they are softer and weaker than other parts of the bone. Growth plate injuries typically occur due to falls, sports injuries, or other trauma. 

Common areas affected include the knees, ankles, and wrists. If not treated properly, these injuries can disrupt normal bone growth, leading to deformities or differences in limb length. Treatment often involves immobilization with casts, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

5. Sports Injuries

As children participate in physical activities and sports, they are at risk for injuries like sprains, strains, ligament tears, and overuse injuries. Some common sports-related injuries include:

• Sprains and strains: These occur when ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains) are stretched or torn.
• ACL injuries: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can tear during high-impact activities, especially in sports that involve jumping or sudden directional changes.
• Overuse injuries: These happen when a child repeatedly stresses a particular muscle or joint, leading to conditions like shin splints or tendinitis. Our pediatric orthopaedic specialists focus on providing personalized care to help children recover safely and prevent future injuries. Treatment plans may include rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. Our goal is to help children return to their activities as soon as possible while minimizing the risk of re-injury.

Comprehensive Care for Your Child

We believe in a holistic approach to pediatric orthopaedics, working closely with families to develop personalized treatment plans. Our clinic offers a range of services to meet your child’s needs:

• Non-surgical treatments: Many conditions can be managed through physical therapy, braces, or other non-invasive methods.
• Minimally invasive surgery: When surgery is required, our pediatric orthopaedic surgeons use advanced techniques to reduce recovery time and minimize discomfort.
• Rehabilitation and recovery: Our dedicated team provides support throughout the healing process, helping children regain strength and mobility.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing the right orthopaedic care for your child is essential. Our clinic stands out because:

• Child-friendly environment: We ensure that children feel comfortable and at ease during their visits.
• Specialized expertise: Our pediatric orthopaedic team has extensive experience and training in treating musculoskeletal issues in children.
• Collaborative care: We work closely with parents, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide the best outcomes for your child.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re concerned about your child’s bone, joint, or muscle health, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our pediatric orthopaedic specialists are here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your child receives the care they need for a healthy and active future.