How Children Benefit from Pediatric Orthopedic Specialists

As children grow, a pediatric orthopedic specialist can guide their development, treating several congenital, developmental, and traumatic musculoskeletal disorders. Even issues that can arise from the everyday activity of a child can benefit from specialized care.

Whether it’s a skeletal abnormality or a broken bone, MMI has special treatment options available for children.

Genetic Issues

Children have complex needs as they grow. More so than a general practitioner or sports specialist, pediatric orthopedic specialists understand growing bones. As your kids grow, you might notice abnormalities that need attention. Issues like uneven limbs, limping, or even scoliosis and spine issues should be addressed by a pediatric orthopedic specialist.

Some issues are a part of childhood, like general growing pains. Kids are also often bow-legged when they are born, but tend to grow out of it in the first few years. Others don’t grow out of it or will have problems with their bones that cause it to worsen. A specialist will understand what is normal child development and what might need closer attention.

Treating Injuries

Children are active. Even if they are stuck at home during a pandemic, they spend their time running, jumping, climbing, and playing. They also get hurt from time to time; it’s a part of childhood. As a parent, you want to prevent this as much as possible, but when it comes to treating an injury, a pediatric orthopedic specialist will understand how the injury might affect your child’s growth and development.

Dr. Michael Schmitz, Chief of Orthopedics at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta says, “An injury to a growth plate, the center for bone growth, can be hard to spot. Different types of injuries in varying locations during certain ages can cause differing problems.” In children, there is often a potential injury to the growth centers of the skeleton. It takes a specialist to know how to treat these issues and understand how they can affect a child’s growth going forward.

Sports Injuries

Kids who participate in sports often develop injuries, such as broken bones, fractures, dislocations, and sprains. If these injuries are not treated properly, they can have lasting effects as a child grows, such as back pain or arthritis in the hips or knees. Addressing and treating issues early can benefit the child’s overall health. Thankfully, the treatment of these injuries is usually simple and often does not require surgery.

At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics–formerly MMI, our fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Laura Copaken, blends her specialized medical skills with a caring, playful, and energetic style that puts your child at ease. Your child is always in the best of care. Contact us to learn more.