Pediatric orthopedics is a branch of medicine that examines and treats health problems related to the musculoskeletal system in children. This specialty addresses abnormalities in bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues during childhood, congenital deformities, injuries, and developmental disorders. Pediatric orthopedics uses specialized treatment methods and surgical approaches by taking children's growth and development processes into consideration. The aim is to ensure normal mobility in children and improve their quality of life.
What Is Pediatric Orthopedics?
Pediatric orthopedics is a branch of medicine that treats musculoskeletal problems in children. This specialty addresses congenital or acquired bone, joint, muscle, and ligament problems in children. The aim is to ensure normal mobility in children and improve their quality of life.
What Do Pediatric Orthopedic Doctors Do?
Pediatric orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat health problems related to the musculoskeletal system in children. They perform the following:
- Diagnosis: They use physical examination and various imaging methods (X-ray, MRI, etc.) to evaluate bone, joint, muscle, and ligament problems in children.
- Treatment: They treat congenital or acquired orthopedic problems. Treatment methods may include medication, physical therapy, orthopedic devices (splints, braces), and surgical interventions.
- Follow-Up: They monitor children's treatment processes and evaluate their responses to treatment.
- Education and Counseling: They provide families with information about their children's orthopedic health problems and guide them through the treatment process.
- Developmental Problems: They apply specialized treatment methods by taking children's growth and development processes into consideration.
Main types of treatment that pediatric orthopedic doctors can provide:
1. Fractures and Trauma: Fracture treatment: Casts, splints, or surgical intervention are used to correct fractured bones and promote healing. Post-trauma care: Rehabilitation of injuries and prevention of complications.
2. Congenital Anomalies: Hip dislocation (Developmental Hip Dysplasia): Orthoses, casts, or surgery may be used to correct congenital abnormalities in the hip joint. Clubfoot (Pes Equinovarus): The Ponseti method, casting, or surgery is used to correct foot deformities. Spina Bifida: Closure of the congenital opening in the spinal cord and orthopedic supportive treatments.
3. Gait Disorders and Deformities: Knee, hip, and foot deformities: For example, correction of deformities such as in-toeing and knee dislocation. Treatment of gait disorders: Orthopedic devices or surgical intervention may be used to ensure normal function of the ankle and knee joints.
4. Scoliosis and Spinal Problems: Scoliosis (spinal curvature): Brace treatment or surgical interventions. Kyphosis: Treatment of excessive curvature of the spine.
5. Infections and Tumors: Bone and joint infections: Elimination of the infection and antibiotic treatment. Orthopedic tumors: Removal of cancerous or benign tumors and reconstructive surgery.
6. Muscle and Ligament Disorders: Chronic muscle disorders: Management of genetic diseases such as muscular dystrophies. Ligament and tendon problems: Treatment of sports injuries.
7. Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Devices: Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy and exercise programs. Orthopedic devices: Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, orthoses, and prostheses.
8. Other Treatments: Congenital developmental problems in children: For example, correction of leg length discrepancies. Treatment of rheumatic diseases: Treatment of joint inflammation seen in children.
How to Make a Pediatric Orthopedics Appointment?
To make an appointment for your child's orthopedic problems, you can click on the “Contact” tab on our website and reach us through the phone number provided there. This allows you to easily schedule an appointment for a suitable date. Orthopedic problems seen in children can seriously affect their growth processes and future mobility. If such problems are not treated in a timely manner, they may lead to more serious problems in the future. Therefore, it is extremely important not to ignore these problems and to begin treatment as soon as possible. Pediatric orthopedics departments provide services in public and private hospitals as well as various clinics. In addition, pediatric orthopedic specialists may also see patients in their own private practices and manage the treatment process.
How Is a Pediatric Orthopedic Examination Performed?
A pediatric orthopedic examination is a process that evaluates problems related to the musculoskeletal system in children. The examination is performed to determine the child's health condition, existing problems, and possible treatment options. The doctor obtains information about the child's complaints, past health status, birth history, and whether there are similar problems in the family. Detailed information is obtained about symptoms such as pain, limited movement, and deformities. The child's posture, gait, and body symmetry are observed. The doctor checks for tenderness, swelling, or abnormalities in the muscles, joints, and bones. X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT may be used to examine bone structure and identify fractures, deformities, or other abnormalities. A diagnosis is made by combining the examination findings and test results. Treatment options such as medication, physical therapy, orthoses, or surgical intervention are offered.