Pediatric Orthopedics
Doctors Knowledgeable in Treating Muscle & Joint Paint in Children
Being active is part of being a child. From the moment children learn to take their first steps, they are in motion. Climbing, running, swinging, tumbling, jumping in school, sports, gymnastics, cheerleading, karate and a multitude of other activities. Activity is great for children, but as we all know, it can cause injuries.
The medical field that deals with the diagnosis, correction and treatment of the body's musculoskeletal system, our bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves that allow our bodies to move, is called orthopedics. Pediatric orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons are doctors who are experienced with properly identifying and treating bone, joint, or muscle problems in children who are still growing.
Differences between Adult and Pediatric Orthopedics
Because children are still growing, their bodies' reactions to injuries, deformities and infections can be different from adults. For example, when a child breaks a bone the fractures have the potential of causing injury to the growth centers of their skeleton, which could permanently stunt their growth if not treated. Growth can even cause certain problems with their bones and joints, such as toes turned inward; issues adults don't have to deal with. Even when a child does experience the same problem as an adult, the assessment and treatment of that problem is usually quite different for them.
Not only are children's bodies different from adults, they also vary in their ability to answer medical questions or be cooperative when a doctor tries to determine what is wrong. Children can be too young to talk or are so nervous they choose not to talk. As a result, they are not always able to say what is bothering them or help identify problems. Fortunately, pediatric orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons are trained to examine and treat children in ways that will help them relax and work with the doctor to achieve the most accurate diagnosis.
Conditions Treated by Orthopedic Surgeons
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons and doctors care for children with broken bones, but also with a wide range of other congenital, developmental and traumatic conditions such as:
- Torn tendons and dislocations
- Scoliosis
- Overuse and sports injuries
- Leg and arm length differences
- Neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida
- Orthopedic trauma
- Hereditary conditions such as club feet
- Hand injuries
- Hip deformation or misalignment
- Bone and joint infections
- Concussions
In treating children, pediatric orthopedic doctors at East Tennessee Children's Hospital apply many methods including observing a child's growth, physical therapy, braces and splints and surgery. In some cases, our doctors and surgeons will work in partnership with other orthopedic experts to ensure a child receives the best possible care. At Children's Hospital, our goal is to ensure children have the finest treatment available to keep them running, swinging, tumbling, and jumping.
