Pediatric orthopedics is a branch of medicine devoted to treating children’s joints, muscles, and bones. A pediatric orthopedist
is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of those areas in children ranging from
infants to teenagers. Pediatric orthopedists (also called a pediatric orthopedic
surgeon) can perform surgery when necessary but they also provide other kinds of
treatments, like casts or limb braces.
Because children’s bodies are still growing, they have a very different joint, muscle,
and bone makeup than adults. Usually, children are referred to a pediatric orthopedist
by their pediatrician if issues arise. Children’s bodies change so much throughout
childhood, and parents can easily mistake growing pains for abnormalities. Hence,
it is essential to consult your child’s pediatrician before seeking out a pediatric
orthopedist.
Because pediatric orthopedists are specialists, most children are referred to a pediatric orthopedist by their pediatrician. The scope of pediatric orthopedics is quite broad, but some examples of conditions that pediatric orthopedists treat are:
- Abnormalities in the growing process
- Scoliosis
- Broken bones
- Bone and joint infections
- Clubfoot
- Problems walking
- Sports injuries
- Spinal Issues
- Ankle or foot surgeries
- Scoliosis
- Nerve issues