Article At A Glance
- Common pediatric conditions include fractures, scoliosis, clubfoot & developmental dysplasia of the hip.
- The diagnosis methods involve comprehensive medical history, physical exams & X-rays
- Treatment options include bracing, casting, physical therapy & surgery for severe cases.
Children and adolescents can experience pain and difficulty walking because of various issues affecting their bones, joints, and ligaments. Understanding the most common pediatric orthopedic conditions can help you recognize when your child needs to see a doctor for orthopedic care. In this guide, the Orthopedic Specialists, S.C. team reviews common conditions they see in minors and the available treatment options.
What Is Pediatric Orthopedics and What Does a Pediatric Orthopedic Doctor Do?
Before starting into the health conditions that affect children, it’s crucial to understand the role of a pediatric orthopedic doctor. These professionals deal with all aspects of a child’s musculoskeletal system, including:
- Bones
- Joints
- Tendons
- Muscles
- Ligaments
Certain congenital disabilities impact a child from birth, whereas acute injuries can occur during an accident. Regardless of the cause of an orthopedic issue, doctors must treat it correctly so that their young patients stay healthy as they grow. Conditions like in-toeing or clubfoot may prohibit a child from working correctly and living fully.
When you visit a pediatric orthopedic specialist, they will take your child’s complete medical history and perform a physical exam to assess their balance, range of motion, and mobility. They may also order diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays to evaluate abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system. Depending on the child’s diagnosis, doctors will prescribe a treatment plan to correct the issue.
Understanding and Treating Common Pediatric Orthopedic Conditions
Pediatric orthopedic doctors treat acute injuries like fractures after a fall and sports injuries that can affect a child’s bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. They also treat chronic conditions like flatfeet and spinal deformities that impact a child’s quality of life. Get a closer look at some pediatric orthopedic conditions doctors often see.
Scoliosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Does your child’s spine have a noticeable curvature? They likely have scoliosis, a chronic condition that sees the spine form an S or C shape rather than completely straight. Bring your child to a specialist if they complain of frequent back pain or their arms and shoulders rest in uneven positions.
Physical therapy and the use of a spinal brace can help correct the spine’s curvature without resorting to invasive treatments. If the condition doesn’t improve with conservative treatment, experts may recommend surgical options like spinal fusion surgery.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): From Diagnosis to Long-Term Care
Hip conditions in children can be harrowing and difficult to detect. Developmental dysplasia of the hip joint occurs when the ball doesn’t fit inside the socket. This ultimately leads to an unusual walking stance or legs that grow different lengths.
Children with DDH typically have three treatment options:
- Bracing
- Casting
- Surgery
Securing the hip joint with supporting braces or body casts can improve your child’s gait as long as the surrounding muscles don’t prevent the ball from entering the socket. In this case, doctors must surgically lengthen the muscles so the ball fits.
Clubfoot in Children: Early Detection, Treatment Techniques, and Outcomes
Certain children have congenital pediatric orthopedic conditions, meaning they are present at birth. Clubfoot is among the most common causes of an infant’s foot turning inward. Since this condition doesn’t develop over time, doctors can easily diagnose it right away and begin treatment.
The standard course of treatment involves manipulating the foot with specific stretches and supporting it with braces or casts. Once doctors remove each cast, they monitor the foot’s position and recommend the next steps. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Growth Plate Injuries in Children: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Rehabilitation
Many young children require orthopedic care for growth plate injuries. These pediatric orthopedic conditions are often present as bone fractures that need to heal so the patient can continue growing without risking long-term issues. Growth plate injuries usually stem from some type of trauma, such as a hard fall and landing on a joint or a sudden impact from an accident.
The best way to prevent these injuries is to have your child wear protective gear while playing sports and remind them to be careful during physical activity. Doctors diagnose the injury with X-ray images and usually place a cast around the bone so it heals properly. The rehabilitation period involves several weeks without full use of the limb.
Take the Next Step: Consult a Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist Today
Safeguard your child’s health and well-being if you notice any issues affecting their musculoskeletal system or if they are diagnosed with any common pediatric orthopedic conditions. The healthcare providers at Orthopedic Specialists, S.C. treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including scoliosis, flatfeet, and in-toeing. We’ll put your child on the direct path toward healing so they can live pain-free.
To schedule an appointment with our bone and joint specialists, call our clinic at (630) 782-9600.
