What Is Pediatric Orthopedics?
A branch of medical science committed to preventing, diagnosing, and treating joints, muscles, and bone injuries in children is referred to as pediatric orthopedics. A pediatric orthopedic doctor is a medical professional responsible for the prevention and treatment of orthopedic diseases and injuries in children between infants and teenagers.
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons, also referred to as pediatric orthopedists, can perform surgical procedures if necessary after the other treatments like braces, limbs, casts, etc., have failed to be effective treatment.
Since they are still in a growth phase, their muscle, joint and bone makeup are quite different from the adults. That’s why they are not attended by the regular orthopedists. Instead, children are usually referred to pediatric orthopedic doctors by their pediatricians if they experience bone, muscle or joint issues.
Children’s bodies constantly change and evolve, so it is quite common for parents to mistake minor issues for massive abnormalities. So you must consult with the pediatrician before deciding on making an appointment at a childrens ortho clinic.
What Do Pediatric Orthopedic Doctors Do?
Pediatric orthopedists are medical professionals who use surgical and other therapies to treat orthopedic illnesses and injuries. These medical professionals work with the parents to create the best, most suitable treatment plan for their children.
These specialists not only attend to the children’s physical ailments but also talk to them about how they feel as every child processes their ailments in a different manner.
To be a qualified pediatric orthopedic surgeon, a person must complete:
- Graduation from a board-certified and accredited medical college
- A five-year resident training program
- One-year subspeciality training in pediatric spinal deformity and pediatric orthopedics
After they complete these requirements, a medical professional will be ready to treat orthopedic illnesses and injuries in children. Their medical education, extensive training and practical experience enable them to treat orthopedic ailments in children more effectively.
Why See A Pediatric Orthopedist?
Thanks to their specialisation, children are referred to pediatric orthopedists for the treatments related to the joints, bones and muscles by their child specialists. Here are a few reasons to visit a childrens ortho clinic:
- Scoliosis
- Bone and joint infections
- Problems walking
- Spinal issues
- Nerve issues
- Issues moving
- Growth abnormalities
- Broken bones
- Clubfoot
- Sports injuries
- Foot or ankle surgeries
- Limb deformities
But if you think you need help from a pediatric orthopedist, it would be best to first get in touch with a pediatrician.
What To Expect From A Pediatric Orthopedist?
The first thing you should remember while visiting the pediatric orthopedist for the first time is to bring all the medical documents that may be necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of your child. You should also bring medical insurance documents just in case you need them for the treatment. Then, during the initial consultation, you and your child will have to try and explain the symptoms along with the medical history. Make sure your child wears loosely fitted, comfortable clothing during this consultation so that there can be free motion during the diagnosis process.
Then, the pediatric orthopedist will talk to the child to understand their issues and create a treatment plan accordingly. There may also be some physical examinations along with some imaging diagnosis tests like X-Ray, CT Scan or MRI, depending on the ailments and symptoms.
After completing the diagnosis process, the pediatric orthopedist will devise and discuss the treatment plan, depending on the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are not very severe, the doctor may first suggest a cast, braces, or physiotherapy. But if the results are not positive enough, they may move on to surgical procedures.
Children are often scared to go to a doctor. That’s why you will notice that pediatric orthopedists work quite differently compared to regular orthopedists. The offices or clinics of pediatric orthopedic doctors are decorated in a way to make children feel more comfortable during the consultation and diagnosis.
Children are often more active than adults, which means they are quite prone to orthopedic illnesses and injuries. Sometimes, a gentle kiss and a bandage on the “Boo Boo” may be enough. But if the wound or injury is more severe, there will be a need to visit a pediatric orthopedist.
For being a pediatric orthopedist, the doctor needs not only to be proficient in the treatment of muscle, bone and joint injuries and illnesses but also to be an expert in treating delicate musculoskeletal conditions. They can also help your child during critical bone and muscle growth.
If you want your child’s treatment with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, come over to Germanten Hospital, one of the best childrens ortho clinics. So book your appointment with our experts today!