Pediatric Orthopedics

Pediatric orthopedics is a medical specialty that deals with the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal problems involving the growing bones, joints, or muscles in children from newborns to teenagers. Pediatric orthopedic doctors focus their medical practice on the care of children and are specially trained in pediatric orthopedics as an additional subspecialty.

Musculoskeletal problems and their evaluation/treatment in children differ from those of adults. In children, musculoskeletal problems arise due to growth factors which do not occur in adults. The complex musculoskeletal disorders in children are best treated from a medical-surgical approach by a pediatric orthopedic doctor.

Some of the common conditions treated by pediatric orthopedic 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 bones or joints

Depending on your child’s condition, pediatric orthopedic doctors can provide appropriate non-surgical or surgical treatments to address their particular conditions. They are specialists trained in managing your child’s anxiety and discomfort.