Children are especially vulnerable to many orthopaedic issues, from broken bones sustained in bike accidents to sore knees from excessive sports participation to growth abnormalities that cause parents’ concern. Paediatric orthopaedics is a subspecialty of orthopaedic medicine that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal disorders in children.
Orthopaedic surgeons specializing in paediatrics perform surgeries and other medical procedures on children. Your child's paediatric orthopaedist will work with you to create a treatment plan that is unique to their needs.
Paediatric orthopaedists have advanced training in explaining complex medical issues to children. There is significant variability in how children cope with and recover from physical illnesses.
Musculoskeletal disorders in kids are different from those in adults. Because children's bodies are still maturing, their responses to trauma, illness, and abnormalities may differ significantly from those of adults.
What appears to be an issue in some children is often nothing more than a temporary difference in their growth rate. Following the rules when around a child is an excellent example of this. Some of the problems with bones and joints that children have as a result of their rapid growth do not manifest in the elderly. Despite having the same ailment, a child's examination and treatment will typically differ significantly from an adult's.
When it comes to treating children with complex paediatric issues, medical-surgical teams are the best option. A wide variety of musculoskeletal problems, such as
Children are often viewed as miniature adults. In the case of bones, however, this is certainly not the case, and there are some particular things to keep in mind when dealing with orthopaedicproblems in kids.
As a result of their rapid development, children are especially vulnerable to injuries to the growth plate, the area of bone most actively involved in the body's remodeling process.
Young people's bones are flexible and can change shape over time.
A doctor needs to check if the growth plate was damaged or if special treatment is necessary for that growth plate. However, healing of a growth plate injury usually happens very fast because of the rapid growth occurring at that site.
Undiagnosed injuries to a growth plate can result in early growth plate closure or abnormal bone development.
When deciding on a course of treatment for a child's orthopaediccondition, it is essential to consider any age-related lifestyle concerns or potential complications.
Children have a more challenging time putting their symptoms and worries into words that others can understand than adults. When dealing with young children, doctors specializing in orthopaedics (or any specialty) must be adept at eliciting information about a patient's condition, even if the child cannot answer basic medical questions like "where does it hurt?"
Paediatric orthopaedics isn't always necessary for a child's bone problem. General orthopaedists, paediatricians, and emergency room doctors can handle many medical issues effectively. However, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon may be needed when the issue is more complex.
Orthopaedic surgeons who focus on paediatric patients have completed additional training to address young patients' unique needs with bone and joint issues. To become an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in treating children, one must devote at least ten years to education and training, including four years to medical school, five years to residency, and at least one year to fellowship.
The orthopaedics division of many hospitals features paediatric orthopaedic specialists, but this is not the case everywhere. Paediatric orthopaedic specialists can be found at any facility that treats young patients. The Paediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America maintains a database of medical professionals that can be searched to locate a specialist in your area.
Most kids are referred to paediatric orthopaedists by their primary care physicians because they are specialists in the field. Orthopaedic specialists who work with children treat various conditions, such as clubfoot, mobility issues, physical injury, foot or ankle procedures, spinal challenges, Nerve concerns, Scoliosis, limb abnormalities, and mobility issues.
Due to their extensive education and experience with the musculoskeletal system of children, paediatric physical therapists can assist patients of all ages, from Newborns to teenagers, in making a speedy recovery and resuming normal activities. The best way to ensure your child receives care tailored to their needs is to see a paediatric orthopaedic specialist doctor.