Treatment of these injuries is usually simple and seldom requires surgery. Neurological Disease Many patients seen by Pediatric Orthopedists have neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida , or the family of diseases known as dystrophies . Most of these disorders result in muscle imbalance and deformity in the areas involved, such as drop foot, scoliosis, or paralytic clubfoot. Children with cerebral palsy or spina bifida frequently require bracing or surgery to improve their ability to function to their greatest potential. These conditions are deformities of the spinal column and may occur at any time before or after birth, but are more frequent during the adolescent growth spurt.
Kyphosis is an excessive round-back deformity common in teenagers.
They work in concert with other physicians at the Institute as well as registered nurses, orthotists, and physical therapists who specialize in pediatric problems. Material on this website is Copyright 2000 Southern California Orthopedic Institute.