Children’s orthopedic doctors are the best type of physician to handle musculoskeletal issues of a child’s body. The orthopedic systems of an adult and a child are vastly different, because children’s bodies are still growing.
Sometimes what has considered a problem with a child is merely a delay or a variation that will resolve itself over time. For example, children may have problems with growth plates (in the bones), and these are almost always corrected naturally.
Every person’s DNA is unique, and the speed at which children develop can be unique as well. Some children grow more slowly than others, and a pediatric orthopedist can assure parents when to worry and when not to.
Musculoskeletal Issues in Children
Because every parent wants the best for their child, any orthopedic issue can be cause for alarm – but it’s usually a child taking their own time growing up. However, there are serious conditions that can affect children.
Because children often cannot describe what is bothering them or answer medical questions, a pediatric orthopedist has to be good at putting clues together to get the big picture of what may be troubling the child. These physicians are trained to relax children and to get them to cooperate. They can also empathize with the parents of a child who has special issues, and these doctors are ready to answer their questions.
Serious Medical Conditions Pediatric Orthopedists Treat
Fortunately, almost every health condition is correctable with the proper pediatric orthopedic team. With early intervention, almost every child can lead a normal life.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex motor neuron disease that makes it difficult for children to control their muscles, often resulting in serious disability. In mild cases, a child may indeed be able to walk on their own; severe cases usually require a wheelchair. The treatments for CP are medication, physical therapy, braces, and sometimes surgical intervention.
Clubfoot
This condition occurs in about 1 out of every 1,000 births. This causes the foot to turn to the side, resembling a golf club – hence the name. The Ponseti method can virtually guarantee a cure to clubfoot as long as the parents commit to the course of treatment.
Hip Dysplasia
Developmental dislocation (dysplasia) of the hip (DDH) happens when the femoral ball of the hip does not properly fit the socket of the hip. It can cause a decrease in mobility, dislocations, or limbs of different lengths.
Kyphosis
This is also known as hunchback syndrome. Different types of kyphosis result in greater disability based on how rounded the spine is. Surgery may be required to bring the spine back into alignment.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection in a bone. Getting timely care for this is important to prevent the infection from spreading or worsening. If it becomes severe, osteomyelitis may require surgery on the bone.
Children present unique challenges. They require an orthopedist who understands the differences between children and adults and how to bridge that gap for optimum care.
Pediatric Orthopedists in Fort Lauderdale
Taking care of children is one of the most rewarding facets of medicine that we practice. We are experts in the field of pediatric orthopedics, and seeing a child’s smile is the biggest reward we get.
Contact our team at Total Orthopaedic Care by calling us today at (954) 735-3535 or request an appointment online, and get your child the medical attention they require by doctors who truly care.
