Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
Pediatric orthopedic surgery is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on
the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal conditions and
injuries in children, adolescents, and young adults. Pediatric orthopedic
surgeons are specially trained to address a wide range of congenital,
developmental, and acquired orthopedic problems affecting the bones, joints,
muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves in pediatric patients.
Here are some key aspects of pediatric orthopedic surgery:
Congenital conditions: Pediatric orthopedic surgeons treat congenital
abnormalities and birth defects affecting the musculoskeletal system, such as
clubfoot, congenital hip dysplasia, limb length discrepancies, spinal
deformities (scoliosis), and skeletal dysplasias. Treatment may involve
non-surgical interventions, orthotic devices, corrective surgeries, or a
combination of approaches tailored to each patient's specific needs.
Developmental conditions: Pediatric orthopedic surgeons also address
developmental conditions that arise during childhood or adolescence, such as
developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA),
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and Osgood-Schlatter disease. Treatment aims to
manage symptoms, preserve joint function, and optimize growth and development.
Traumatic injuries: Pediatric orthopedic surgeons manage traumatic injuries to
the bones and soft tissues, including fractures, dislocations, ligament
injuries, and sports-related injuries. Treatment may involve closed reduction
and casting, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), external fixation, or
other surgical techniques to stabilize and repair the injury.
Neuromuscular conditions: Children with neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral
palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and brachial plexus injuries may
experience musculoskeletal problems that require orthopedic intervention.
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons work closely with multidisciplinary teams to
provide comprehensive care and improve functional outcomes for these patients.
Orthopedic oncology: Pediatric orthopedic surgeons collaborate with oncologists
and other specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of bone and soft tissue
tumors in children, including benign tumors, malignant tumors (such as
osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma), and metastatic lesions. Treatment may involve
surgical resection, limb-sparing procedures, chemotherapy, radiation therapy,
and reconstructive surgery.
Spine surgery: Pediatric orthopedic surgeons perform a variety of spinal
procedures to address congenital, developmental, and acquired spinal conditions,
including scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal cord tumors, and spinal
deformities associated with neuromuscular disorders. Surgical techniques may
include spinal fusion, spinal instrumentation, vertebral body tethering, and
growth modulation procedures.