An orthopedic impairment causes severe disability to a person. Children can have congenital orthopedic impairments, which can impact their overall development, especially without treatment and ongoing support.
Here, we will talk about some of the most common pediatric orthopedic impairments and where in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes you can go for comprehensive treatment for such conditions.
Orthopedic Impairments in Pediatric Patients
Pediatric orthopedic impairments are conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system of a child, which includes their bones, joints, and muscles, and can impact their ability to participate in everyday activities. These include:
Cerebral Palsy
While not an orthopedic condition per se, cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by damage to the brain before, during, or after birth, which impairs muscle tone and movement, causing orthopedic impairment. Cerebral palsy patients typically have issues with mobility, balance, and experience spasticity or tightening of the muscles – all of which can affect proper movement. Children with cerebral palsy usually need support for their legs and need the aid of assistive devices such as a wheelchair, walker, or cane.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder that causes a progressive wasting away of the muscle tissue, which plays an important function in the musculoskeletal system. It is explained by a lack of a production of protein, which is critical for muscle building. As a result, the child has weak muscles throughout the body and lacks strength, which severely limits physical movement. Children with muscular dystrophy experience fatigue quickly, and the weakness in the torso may cause the spine to curve.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, causing it to have an S-shape instead of a straight and upright one. Cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy can cause a child to develop scoliosis. If the abnormal curve of the spine worsens, it can cause pain and limit side-to-side movement and disrupt the coordination of the muscles in the legs. Additionally, it can also compress the organs such as the lungs and heart, thereby affecting a child’s opportunity to be physically active.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida occurs when the spine has issues with development in the womb. This birth defect can be found somewhere along the spine. The vertebra needed to protect the spinal cord does not develop properly due to a failure of the neural tube to close completely. As a result, there is damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
Depending on which nerve is affected, patients with spina bifida may have problems with sensation, bladder control, and movement of the lower limbs. Children with spina bifida get around with the help of a wheelchair or other assistive devices and need physical therapy to manage their condition.
Clubfoot
A clubfoot deformity involves one or both feet being twisted inward, causing difficulty walking in infants. Since the foot cannot move upward or downward, the child ends up walking on the side of the foot, which can lead to orthopedic pain and other problems eventually. The foot needs to be held in the proper position, typically using the Ponseti method, and massaged as corrective treatment.
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes
The board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Total Orthopaedic Care are renowned for their exceptional skills and decades of experience in pediatric orthopedics. We provide ongoing treatment for pediatric patients with orthopedic impairments and strive to give you the best outcomes. As a parent, it can be difficult seeing your child suffer from an impairment. Our doctors are highly compassionate and filled with empathy for you and your child.
To consult with one of our orthopedists, call our office today at (954) 735-3535 or use our convenient online request form.
