With these fractures there is often a potential injury to the growth centers of the skeleton. Pediatric Orthopedists evaluate the child for potential growth problems that may happen after the injury heals and treat growth disturbance if it occurs. Appropriate treatment of fractures, sprains and dislocations can ensure minimal disturbance of function and a quick return to normal childhood growth and activity. Pediatric Sports Injuries Pediatric Sports Medicine is an important part of health care. Children who engage in activities like soccer, karate, and skateboarding may have acute injuries such as broken bones, sprains, and dislocations.
Many times chronic stress injuries occur, such as fractures, tendinitis, and apophysitis.
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.