Pediatric Orthopedic And Developmental Care

Medical professionals who specialize in pediatric orthopedics and developmental care focus on treating child-specific growth and development disorders of the skeleton, muscles, and joints. This includes disorders affecting newborn infants all the way through teenagers. Because children’s bodies are still growing, the musculoskeletal problems affecting them are different from those that affect adults. Furthermore, the way their bodies respond to injuries, infections, and deformities is much different than what an adult would experience. Those specializing in orthopedics use a different approach to evaluation and care, as children are not always capable of expressing what is bothering them or describing the details of their pain. They are able to put the child at ease and increase cooperation. Furthermore, they are well-versed in communicating with children’s parents and caregivers. Using their expertise regarding normal growth and developmental patterns, pediatric orthopedics practitioners can identify, diagnose, and treat abnormalities of the skeleton. Common congential and developmental problems include scoliosis, spinal deformity, cerebral palsy, gait abnormalities, broken bones, bone or joint infections or tumors, leg length discrepancy, clubfeet, dislocated hips, flat-feet, knock-knees, bow-legs, and in-toeing. Treatment for such conditions may include pediatric physical and occupational therapy, the application of orthotic or prosthetic devices, and in some cases, surgical intervention.