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Pediatric Orthopedics

Pediatric orthopedics is a specialized medical field within orthopedics that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries in infants, children, and youngsters. The musculoskeletal system includes bones, muscles, and joints, along with cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, as they give structure and support to the body. When a child is facing problems or injuries in any of the musculoskeletal systems, the pediatric orthopedic doctor diagnoses the child and provides treatment accordingly. Many injuries and illnesses can cause damage to the musculoskeletal system. Many are familiar with the fact that children’s bones are sensitive and tender, as there are many chances for injuries and accidents for the bones and joints.

Pediatric orthopedic doctors' expertise in addressing a wide range of conditions, from congenital abnormalities to acquired injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. Certainly, there are some of the conditions like clubfoot, scoliosis, limb length discrepancies, fractures, etc. This field of orthopedics approaches multiple disciplines and often involves collaborating with medical specialists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, to modify the child’s individual needs. They provide treatment based on the severity of the condition and injury. They not only do the surgery, but they also perform non-surgical procedures such as casting, bracing, physical therapy, and other traditional methods.

As they are specialists, most children are recommended to a pediatric orthopedist by their pediatrician. The scope of pediatric orthopedics is quite huge, but some of the conditions they diagnose are;

  1. Congenital abnormalities
  2. Fractures and trauma
  3. Scoliosis and spinal deformities
  4. Muscle and tendon disorders
  5. Joint problems
  6. Gait abnormalities
  7. Limb deformities
  8. Infections and tumors
  9. Neuromuscular disorders
  10. Sports injuries
  11. Perthes diseases
  12. Osteochondrosis

Diagnostic Tests:

In pediatric orthopedics, doctors conduct many different tests to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions in children and young adults. These tests help the doctors to understand the nature and problem of the condition and also help in providing the appropriate treatment plan and monitoring the progress. Some of the diagnostic tests include Physical examinations, X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT scan (Computer Tomography), Ultrasound, Bone scan, Genetic testing, Arthroscopy, and Laboratory tests.

Diagnostic Procedures:

  1. Closed reduction – this is a non-surgical procedure used to align the fractured bones and dislocated joints without making an incision.
  2. Open reduction and Internal fixation – are performed in case, when the fractured bone or the dislocated joint is not aligned properly with the close reduction, surgery may be necessary.
  3. Soft tissue surgery – This surgery is performed in pediatric orthopedics to address conditions like tendon injuries, ligament tears, and muscle release procedures. Also, for conditions such as cerebral palsy.
  4. Joint aspirations/injections – Joint injections involve taking out the fluid from a joint for diagnostic or therapeutic tenacities. These injections are used in sending medications directly into the joint to reduce pain and inflammation.
  5. Hip Dysplasia procedures – surgical procedures like open reduction and pelvic osteotomies may be performed to treat developmental hip dysplasia, and also to avoid long-term problems like hip arthritis.
  6. Spinal fusion – this procedure is performed to stabilize and correct severe spinal deformities like scoliosis.
  7. Epiphysiodesis – this procedure involves interrupting the growth plate’s function to correct limb length discrepancies by allowing the shorter limb to develop.
  8. Tendon transfers – this procedure is used to improve function and mobility by transmitting the attachment of a tendon.
  9. Arthroscopy – it is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a tiny camera to visualize the inside of a joint. This is used for both diagnostic and surgical interventions.
  10. External fixation – External fixation devices, can be used to stabilize fractures, correct deformities, and help in bone healing.
  11. Limb reconstruction – involves many surgeries that may be planned to achieve optimal functioning and appearance.