What is a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon?

A paediatric orthopaedic surgeon is a doctor who can properly evaluate and treat bone, joint, or muscle problems in a child who is still growing. A paediatric orthopaedic surgeon is the best-trained and most experienced doctor to properly evaluate and treat musculoskeletal (bone, joint, or muscle) problems in a child who is still growing. Because your children are still growing, their body’s response to injuries, infections, and deformities can be quite different than what would be seen in an adult.

What kind of training do paediatric orthopaedic surgeons have?

Paediatric orthopaedic surgeons choose to make paediatric care the core of their medical practice. The unique nature of medical and surgical care of children is learned from advanced training and experience in practice. They are doctors who have:

1. Graduated from an approved medical school (typically six years)
2. Graduated from an approved orthopaedic surgery residency program (typically five years)
3. Completed additional subspecialty training in paediatric orthopaedics (typically one year)

What types of problems do paediatric orthopaedic surgeons treat?

A child's musculoskeletal problems are different from those of an adult.  Sometimes, what is thought to be a problem is just a variation of growth that will resolve with time. Many of the problems children have with their bones and joints do not even occur in adults. And, for the same problem that an adult might have, the evaluation and treatment is usually quite different for a child. Children with complex paediatric problems are best managed by a medical-surgical team approach.
Paediatric orthopaedic surgeons diagnose, treat, and manage children's musculoskeletal problems, such as:

1. Limb and spine deformities noted at birth, or later in life (clubfoot, scoliosis, limb length differences)
2. Gait abnormalities (limping)
3. Broken bones
4. Bone or joint infections and tumors

Paediatric orthopaedic surgeons: Specialty care for children

Children are not just small adults. They cannot always say what is bothering them, or answer medical questions, or be patient and cooperative during a medical examination. paediatric orthopaedic surgeons know how to examine and treat children in a way to help them be relaxed and cooperative. They appreciate the worry that goes with having a child with a musculoskeletal problem and they have experience in communicating with anxious family members. Most paediatric orthopaedic surgeons' offices are arranged and decorated with children in mind. Specially designed equipment, available toys, videos, and reading materials all help to create a comfortable and nonthreatening environment for the child.