Pediatric orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems in children, including deformities, infections, tumors, and broken bones. They use child-friendly examination techniques and provide care in a non-threatening manner. They undergo extensive training to become skilled in treating developing children.
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons work to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems that develop in children. Any orthopedic surgeon can treat patients of various ages. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon, however, has been educated and trained to understand the many differences between conditions that affect an adult’s musculoskeletal system and those that affect a child. This can be very important, as a child’s musculoskeletal system is not just a diminutive version of an adult’s. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons focus on treatments that work well in developing children.
Among the conditions that a pediatric orthopedic surgeon diagnoses and treats are deformities involving a child’s spine or extremities. Some of these conditions are visible when a child is born, but others may only become apparent as the child grows. This type of surgeon might treat a person with a severely curved spine or a clubfoot, for example. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons also treat patients who suffer from abnormalities in the way they walk. For example, this surgeon might treat someone with a limp.
A pediatric orthopedic surgeon also diagnoses and treats infections and tumors. People often think of infections and tumors as problems that only affect other parts of the body, such as the throat or brain. However, both of these conditions can affect a child’s bones and joints. When joints and bones develop abnormal growths or infections, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon provides specialist treatment. They also take care of children with broken bones.
In addition to diagnosing and treating patients, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon usually pays special attention to using child-friendly examination techniques and providing care in a non-threatening manner. These doctors work to ensure that children are as comfortable as possible during examinations and treatment, trying to encourage cooperation from their patients. They are usually experienced in tactfully providing medical information to reassure parents as well. Often, these surgeons also design their exam and waiting rooms with families in mind, providing children with toys, books, and other distractions.
The reason a pediatric orthopedic surgeon is often so skilled at providing musculoskeletal care for children is the amount of time they spend training to become a surgeon. Typically, a person in this field completes four years of college and medical school. After medical school, he usually spends another five years in a residency program for orthopedic surgeons; this is basically on-the-job training. He spends the last year in a special training program for pediatric orthopedics.
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