A pediatric orthopedic surgeon specializes in musculoskeletal care for infants, children and adolescents. These surgeons specialize in nonsurgical and surgical treatment for a variety of conditions including musculoskeletal diseases, traumatic injuries and skeletal deformities.
There are a number of diseases that are treated by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Some of these disease include the following:
• Scoliosis
• Spina Bifida
• Metachromatic Leukodystrophy
• Cerebral Palsy
• Metabolic Disorders
• Spinal Deformity
These are just some of the diseases treated, they also treat congenital foot and hip deformities, common hip problems, as well as, bowlegs, leg-length discrepancies, knock-knees, in toeing and out toeing.
Some of the conditions that an orthopedic surgeon can treat in more detail:
Children are at risk for falls and injuries. These injuries can be caused by fire, animal bites, chemicals, and sometimes violence. There are times when young children will suffer from injuries that lead to bodily injury, traumatic brain injury and even death. An orthopedic surgeon can treat these conditions effectively.
Many infants, children and adolescents are affected with cerebral palsy. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon uses comprehensive, pro-active, and individualized approaches to treat this condition in children. It’s important to find a good surgeon that will help children with this condition in order to achieve maximum physical, emotional, and intellectual development. A qualified specialist takes the time to education the parents and the affected individual about their condition.
A condition that effect the normal development of the back bone, spinal cord, and the surrounding nerves is known as Spina bifida. Surgery by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon can help manage the problems associated with this condition. Although surgery is usually necessary for this condition, surgery may not completely restore muscle sensation or function to its normal state.
An unknown cause condition that affects the lateral curvature of the spine is known as Scoliosis. Scoliosis affects boy and girls equally although girls are more likely to get the condition. It’s usually seen in children between the ages of ten and fourteen. The best healthcare provider to treat this condition is an orthopedic surgeon.
It’s difficult and an emotional roller coaster to have something wrong with our children, but when a condition of the aforementioned occurs, it’s best to consult with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. You are assuring your child is receiving the best possible care when you see the right professional.
Choosing the right surgeon for you child to see may require some extra effort on your part. Your primary care physician may have recommendations for a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. As with most doctor choices, you’ll want a compassionate and understanding specialist. You’ll also want to make sure that they possess certain traits like coordination, tact, sensitivity, and flexibility, along with the experience, reputation, and bedside manner. You can talk with friends and family to see if they have any recommendations. You may want to visit a couple of surgeons before deciding. The important thing is that your child feels safe and comfortable with seeing the orthopedic surgeon of your choice.