Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
At Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute, we recognize that children require extra special care. Our Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons have expertise in treating all pediatric orthopedic problems, including acute trauma and sports injuries as well as developmental and chronic problems of the bones and joints of infants, children and adolescents. We recognize that appropriate treatment of fractures, sprains and dislocations in children is important to ensure minimal disturbance of function and a quick return to normal childhood growth and activity.
CAO serves patients in Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.
Pediatric Injuries and Diseases
Childhood Injuries
Children often break bones. With these fractures, there is often a potential injury to the growth centers of the skeleton. Dr. Copaken will evaluate the child for potential growth problems that may happen after the injury heals and treat any growth disturbance if it occurs. Appropriate treatment of fractures, sprains, and dislocations is important to ensure minimal disturbance of function and a quick return to normal childhood growth and activity.
Pediatric Sports Injuries
Children who engage in sports may have acute injuries such as broken bones, sprains, and dislocations. Many times chronic stress injuries occur, such as fractures and tendonitis. Examples are “Little Leaguer’s Elbow”, Osgood-Schlatter’s disease of the knee, and Sever’s Disease of the foot. Treatment of these injuries is usually simple and seldom requires surgery.
Neurological Disease
Dr. Copaken also treats children with neurological disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, and the category 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 clubfoot. Children with Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida frequently require bracing and occasionally surgery to improve their ability to function to their greatest potential.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine seen most often in girls during the growth spurt just before puberty. Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely by Dr. Copaken, and in many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children will need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Severe cases of scoliosis may require surgery to straighten the spine.
Diagnoses and Treatment
Frequent Diagnoses
- Scoliosis
- Fracture
- Abnormalities, Deformities of Hips, Legs, and Feet
- Sport & Overuse Injuries
- Congenital Deformity
- Intoeing / Outtoeing
- Blount’s Disease
- Toxic Synovitis
- Acute Trauma
- Hip Dysplasia
- SCFE
Treatment
- Casting
- Bracing
- Observation
- Surgical Correction
- Medication
- Physical Therapy
Going to the doctor is frightening for some children. Our pediatric orthopedic staff is ready to put you child at ease. Contact us today for an appointment.
Videos
-
Dr. Laura Copaken - Club Foot
-
Dr. Laura Copaken - Scoliosis
-
Dr. Laura Copaken - Hip Dysplasia
-
Dr. Laura Copaken - Little League Elbow
-
Dr. Laura Copaken - Pediatric Trauma
-
Dr. Laura Copaken - Lower Extremity Development
Providers
Videos
-
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow -
Throwing Injuries of the Elbow -
Triceps Tendonitis -
Rotator Cuff Tear -
Tibial Fractures -
High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmosis Ligament Injury) -
Finger Dislocation -
Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
