Pediatric orthopedic surgeons treat children and adolescents. Here are some things to think about.
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons offer diagnostics and treatments for babies,
children and teens. Orthopedists are physicians who focus on the musculoskeletal system. The term musculoskeletal is derived from the word combination of muscles and skeleton. This system is also made up of cartilage, joints, ligaments and tendons. Connective tissue is another component which joins various bodily parts such as tissue and organs. Each part has a separate function such as the bones being the rigid framework, cartilage a softer framework and muscles, joints and tendons all part of the working machinery which moves a body. Children may have musculoskeletal issues that result from congenital deformities, sports injuries, or other traumatic injuries. Here are some challenges that youngsters face:
- Scoliosis: This malady refers to a spinal curvature. A child can be born with scoliosis or this condition may develop as they grow up during their childhood. This curved backbone usually presents as a relatively minor condition. The curvature doesn’t hurt the individual but it can worsen over time and cause back problems and hip aches. Severe cases are remedied in a variety of ways. A brace may be prescribed that will need to be worn for a specific period of time. Sometimes surgery is needed to correct this issue. Without intervention, future back instability or arthritis may occur.
- Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral Palsy is a disorder which affects movement, academic progress, hearing and sight. This often manifests during the first couple of years of life. It may be caused by brain diseases such as meningitis, encephalitis, jaundice or bleeding of the brain. It also may result after a head trauma. This disease affects muscles and causes them to become progressively tighter over time. The child may develop an abnormal walking movement and arm swing. The joints may also tighten up and paralysis may occur. This malady may attack one side of the body or both. It can affect any of the limbs.
- Musculoskeletal abnormalities: Hip or foot problems, having legs of differing length from each other, pigeon toed feet, outward pointing toes, bowlegged stance or knees with a knock-kneed appearance. Children may be treated with braces, physical therapy, special shoes as well as surgical interventions.
- Infections, tumors or cancer: These ailments and diseases would be treated differently depending on the exact diagnosis. Antibiotics might be prescribed for infections while cancerous tumors may call for chemotherapy and radiation.
- Sports injuries: When children or teens are heavily involved in sports, stress fractures or maladies from repetitive motion may occur. These occurrences may require surgery, casts, bandaging or splints. It’s important to treat the child or teen adequately and promptly so that they can heal and not take ramifications into their adult years.
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons have completed many years of medical school. Not only do these practitioners finish the mandatory four years of general medical school, residencies, internships but they must attend for several more years in order to hone their specialty. An additional academic stint in orthopedics would be one portion of their training as well as one in pediatrics. If a child has any disease or condition related to the musculoskeletal system, these MDs would be the specialists that parents should call.
