Children's muscles, joints, and bones are treated in paediatric orthopaedics. A paediatric orthopaedist's job is to treat children ranging in age from infants to adolescents. Paediatric orthopaedists (also known as paediatric orthopaedic surgeons) can perform surgery if necessary. Still, they can also provide other types of treatment, such as limb braces or casts, for children with orthopaedic problems. Because their bodies are still developing, children's muscles, joints, and bones differ significantly from those of adults. If a child's paediatrician notices a problem, they usually refer the child to a paediatric orthopaedist.
Because children's bodies undergo such rapid transformations during childhood, it's easy for parents to mistake chronic growing pains for something more serious. As a result, it is imperative that you first consult your child's paediatrician before contacting a paediatric orthopaedist.
To treat children, paediatric orthopaedists employ surgical and other medical procedures. You and your child's paediatric orthopaedist will collaborate to create a specialized treatment plan.
Orthopaedists for children have specialized training in communicating medical issues to children. Aside from their physical differences, children's bodies and brains react to illnesses differently.
Most of the time, a child's paediatrician will send them to a paediatric orthopaedist because they are specialists. While paediatric orthopaedics covers a wide range of conditions, the following are some of the more common ones those paediatric orthopaedists treat:
If you suspect your child requires the services of a paediatric orthopaedist, consult with your child's primary care physician. If you need a recommendation, they can help you out.
Physically, mentally, and emotionally, children are not just small adults. Because of their mental health issues, they may not be able to express what is bothering them in a way understandable to a healthcare provider. Additionally, the mere fact that they find themselves in a medical facility or doctor's office can cause them to experience anxiety or fear.
Orthopaedic surgeons' offices are usually designed and decorated with children in mind, so creating a safe and welcoming environment for children is an essential first step. A few examples include:
As a result, paediatric orthopaedic surgeons are trained to conduct their examinations and treatments in a manner that encourages children to cooperate. They understand the anxiety and stress that can accompany a child's musculoskeletal condition, and they have to practice dealing with worried family members.
Each child's visit is tailored to their specific stage of development.
In some cases, parents or guardians may be expected to provide all the information needed to answer a student's questions. A paediatric orthopedic surgeon will examine a patient's birth, development, and family history in addition to the usual questions about duration and type of symptoms.
The examination is tailored to the child's specific complaint and age. It is unreasonable to expect a toddler to behave in the same manner as an adolescent when answering questions and following directions.
Observing children play, run, or handle objects can be an effective way for a pediatric orthopedic surgeons to examine their patients.
It is common for parents or guardians of children to participate in examinations to help them feel safe and comply with the doctor's instructions. For example, they may hold nervous young patients in their laps or encourage them to participate in various maneuvers.
This may or may not be included in a child's visit:
Typically, parents or guardians are allowed to accompany their children during most, if not all, clinic visits.
Casting and bracing are common occurrences in the practice of paediatric orthopaedic surgery. Many children's fractures can be treated without the need for an operation. It is also possible to treat conditions like hip dysplasia and clubfoot with casts and braces rather than surgery.
An experienced paediatric surgeon has the expertise to perform surgeries on a growing body, such as guiding growth for limb length discrepancies or deformities.
In addition to the child's medical needs, treatment planning for paediatric patients considers the family's situation. The child's care may necessitate the use of support services.
Orthopaedists for children strive to build a relationship with their patients. Compared, an orthopaedist may communicate differently. These offices are also typically decorated in bright colours and have child-sized chairs and toys for children to sit on.