Pediatric Orthopedics
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Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Institute
Orthopedic Surgery located in San Bernardino, CA, Victorville, CA, Pomona, CA, Barstow, CA, Loma Linda, CA & Chino, CA
Children suffer from many of the same orthopedic problems as adults, but they might need different treatment. If your child has an injury or other musculoskeletal condition, the experts in pediatric orthopedics at Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Institute can help. They are highly skilled and knowledgeable about the important differences in treating children and adults, so contact one of the practice's four offices in San Bernardino, Victorville, Pomona, Barstow, Banning, Loma Linda or it's Chino, California location to discuss your child's problem. Call to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.
Pediatric Orthopedics Q&A
What is pediatric orthopedics?
Pediatric orthopedics is a specialty within the orthopedic field that focuses on conditions that affect children.
Orthopaedic or musculoskeletal system problems could have serious long-term consequences for your child's development if left untreated. Orthopedic conditions that occur in children include:
- Growth plate fractures
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Greenstick fractures
- Developmental dislocation
- Frontal knee pain
- Forearm and elbow fractures
- Back pain
- Clubfoot
- Kyphosis (abnormal vertical spinal curvature)
- Leg-length inequality
- Myelomeningocele (a type of spina bifida)
- Perthes disease (misshapen hip joint)
- Scoliosis (abnormal horizontal spinal curvature)
- Skeletal dysplasias
Sports injuries are also common in children, both acute trauma and overuse injuries.
How is pediatric orthopedics different from adult orthopedics?
There are several crucial differences between pediatric and adult orthopedics.
Children's bodies continue to grow and develop into adulthood, so they're more likely to experience certain types of injuries. For instance, children's bones can grow faster than their muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which puts extra strain on these tissues until they catch up.
Children’s bones are softer, too. Greenstick fractures, where one side of a bone breaks but the other doesn't, are almost exclusive to children and adolescents because adult bones break all the way through.
Children who are keen on sports and regularly repeat the same activities might not be giving their bodies a chance to heal properly. That could result in injuries and possibly impaired growth.
When children do suffer fractures or joint injuries, it's vital to see an expert in pediatric orthopedics, so they can protect the growth plates at the ends of your child's bones.
What pediatric orthopedic treatments might my child need?
Initial treatments for children's orthopaedic conditions typically include rest, heat and ice, and child-friendly pain-relieving medication.
Your provider might also recommend physical therapy and the use of a splint or brace. Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Institute's therapists have specialist expertise in treating children.
Fractures are likely to need a cast, and severe injuries may require surgery.
If your child suffers a sports injury or has a musculoskeletal disorder, you can be sure they'll receive the best care at Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Institute. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.
