What Is Pediatric Orthopedics?

Pediatric orthopedics is a branch of medicine devoted to treating children’s joints, muscles, and bones. A pediatric orthopedist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of those areas in children ranging from infants to teenagers.

Pediatric orthopedists (also called a pediatric orthopedic surgeon) can perform surgery when necessary but they also provide other kinds of treatments, like casts or limb braces.

Because children’s bodies are still growing, they have a very different joint, muscle, and bone makeup than adults. Usually, children are referred to a pediatric orthopedist by their pediatrician if issues arise.

Children’s bodies change so much throughout childhood, and parents can easily mistake growing pains for abnormalities. Hence, it is essential to consult your child’s pediatrician before seeking out a pediatric orthopedist.

What Does a Pediatric Orthopedist Do?

Pediatric orthopedists use surgical and other medical therapies to treat children. You’ll work with your pediatric orthopedist to design a specific treatment plan for your child.

Pediatric orthopedists are specially trained in talking to children about their medical conditions. Not only do children have different physical ailments, but they also process them differently.

Reasons to See a Pediatric Orthopedist

Because pediatric orthopedists are specialists, most children are referred to a pediatric orthopedist by their pediatrician. The scope of pediatric orthopedics is quite broad, but some examples of conditions that pediatric orthopedists treat are:

• Abnormalities in the growing process
• Scoliosis
• Broken bones
• Bone and joint infections
• Clubfoot
• Problems walking
• Sports injuries
• Spinal issues
• Ankle or foot surgeries
• Scoliosis
• Nerve issues
• Limb deformities
• Issues walking or moving

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about any issue that you think might need a pediatric orthopedist. If you need one, they can give you a referral.