Pediatric orthopedics in Dnipro
During the active growth of a child, his musculoskeletal system also develops. Even a slight deviation from the norm during this period can lead to changes that complicate the child’s life or affect his health in adulthood. A pediatric orthopedic doctor will help you avoid this.
Pediatric orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the treatment and prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system of children from birth to 18 years old. An orthopedic doctor works with congenital and acquired injuries, deformities of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons.
When is it necessary to consult a pediatric orthopedist?
In order for the musculoskeletal frame to form correctly and the musculoskeletal system to develop normally, the child must be observed by an orthopedic doctor from birth.
The first year of life is the most important. This is the period when the child’s skeleton and muscular system are formed. If in the maternity hospital the pediatrician or neonatologist did not find congenital anomalies or injuries during birth, then the first examination by an orthopedic doctor is carried out at 1 month. Before the age of 1 year, there is a risk of developing hip dysplasia, and in the period from 1.5 to 2 years, flat feet may appear.
To prevent or detect the disease at an early stage, it is important to show a child to a pediatric orthopedist at this age:
- 1 month,
- 3 months,
- 6 months,
- 1 year,
- 1.5 years
- 2 years.
In addition, any symptoms of orthopedic abnormalities in a child are a reason to urgently consult a specialist. The earlier a disease is detected, the easier it is to treat it or control its further development if it is not curable.
What are the main symptoms of orthopedic diseases in children?
The main symptoms in children, for which it is better to consult a pediatric orthopedic doctor:
- curvature of the spine or neck,
- different lengths of arms or legs,
- any postural disorders, for example, stooping, misalignment in the shoulders or lower back,
- deformities of joints or bones,
- restrictions in movement of the head or limbs,
- fine motor impairment
- pain when walking or at rest in joints or bones,
- clubfoot or flat feet,
- asymmetric folds on the buttocks and thighs in infants,
- constant tilt of the head to one side,
- lameness,
- support on the outer or inner side of the feet in a standing position,
- hand spasms,
- general delay in physical development.
In addition, a pediatric orthopedic doctor will provide qualified assistance for injuries and fractures.
How does a consultation with a pediatric orthopedic doctor proceed?
During the appointment, the orthopedic doctor examines a child and performs movement tests to determine whether the skeleton and muscles are developing correctly. The specialist communicates with parents to study the medical history and listen to complaints, if any.
If the doctor identifies diseases, he will assess the risk of their development and offer treatment options. Sometimes additional tests may be needed to make or confirm a diagnosis, for example:
- Ultrasound examination,
- X-ray,
- MRI or CT,
- lab tests.
What congenital or acquired diseases does a pediatric orthopedist treat?
A pediatric orthopedic doctor treats congenital and acquired diseases of the musculoskeletal system. A specialist can also help a child with injuries to bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons.
The most common pediatric orthopedic diseases treated by an orthopedic doctor are:
- birth injuries,
- congenital developmental abnormalities,
- scoliosis, kyphosis and other spinal curvatures,
- various deformations: chest, limbs, feet,
- clubfoot and flat feet,
- dysplasia, dislocations and subluxations of the hip joints,
- torticollis,
- hypotonicity and hypertonicity of muscles,
- incorrect posture.
How is treatment carried out at the children’s orthopedics center N1 Clinic in Dnipro?
The treatment prescribed by a pediatric orthopedic doctor depends on the age of the child, the problem detected and its complexity. First of all, the specialist will suggest conservative treatment, for example:
- therapeutic massages,
- health-improving physical education,
- bandages and orthopedic fixators,
- physiotherapeutic procedures,
- medications: anti-inflammatory and painkillers, ointments, gels, creams and more.
The children’s skeleton is mobile and plastic, which makes it easier to cope with the disease in children than to treat the consequences in adulthood. Routine consultations with a pediatric orthopedic doctor allow you to identify the problem at an early stage, which means there is a high probability that conservative treatment will help.
A pediatric orthopedist prescribes surgical treatment only in cases of serious pathology.
N1 Clinic specialists will provide qualified assistance to children with congenital and acquired diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as injuries. Using modern diagnostic and treatment methods, our orthopedic doctors will find an individual and effective approach to each little patient.
