Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic surgery is used to treat conditions of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissues of the body. Pediatric orthopaedic surgery is a specialized form of this discipline, focusing specifically on treating child patients (those under the age of 18).
What Conditions Does Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Treat?
The musculoskeletal system of a child can vary greatly from that of an adult, especially as a child’s body is still growing and thus will react differently to trauma, injury or infection. A pediatric orthopaedic surgeon specializes in diagnosing, treating and managing a wide variety of children’s musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Deformities of the limbs and spine, including clubfoot, scoliosis and differences in limb lengths
- Broken bones
- Bone and joint infections or tumors
- Gait abnormalities (limping)
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery — What to Expect
Preparation for pediatric orthopaedic surgery can be critical to reducing stress levels for the patient, their parents or guardians and other loved ones. Because pediatric orthopaedic surgeons are specially trained for these procedures, they are highly skilled in giving realistic expectations and reassuring explanations to young patients. A parent or legal guardian must accompany a child to appointments for pediatric orthopaedic treatments, and they may likely have to assist with pre-operative instructions.
Because pediatric orthopaedic surgery can be used to treat a variety of conditions, the exact procedure and recommendations may vary. If your child is undergoing pediatric orthopaedic surgery, side effects of the procedure performed may include:
- Pain, soreness and swelling, particularly around the incision site (if applicable)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness or trouble sleeping
- Thirst
- Constipation or flatulence
Your pediatric orthopaedic surgeon will discuss any possible risks and side effects with you in great detail, and they are specialized in making their patients feel comfortable and at ease.
Is Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Effective?
Pediatric orthopaedic surgery is considered highly effective in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions in children. The healing and recovery process will depend on the particular condition being treated by the procedure, as well as other factors such as the patient’s overall health.
The pediatric orthopaedic surgeons at Tampa General Hospital are highly experienced in the specialized treatment of many children’s musculoskeletal disorders, including emergency services and rehabilitation.