Children's Orthopaedics

The Pediatric Orthopaedic Service evaluates and treats a broad spectrum of pediatric orthopaedic diseases and conditions including trauma, congenital anomalies, neuromuscular disorders, infections, tumors, acquired deformities, and metabolic conditions. The service conducts regular clinics in pediatric rehabilitation, fractures, neuromuscular diseases, hip and foot problems, myelomeningocele, pediatric amputees and scoliosis.

Scoliosis (Curvature of the Spine): Spinal curvature and deformities of the arms, hands, legs and feet in children are all correctable by a number of highly perfected non-operative and surgical methods.

Tiptoe Walking: Tiptoe walking in children can be idiopathic (no known cause), or may occur as a result of various neurological problems. Treatment depends upon the cause and the degree of tightness in the Achilles tendons. Most commonly, treatment involves leg braces or surgical lengthening of the Achilles tendons.

Clubfoot: Two out of every 1000 babies are born with clubfoot deformity, which causes the feet to point down and turn in. While no treatment can make clubfeet perfectly normal, good correction of the foot deformities are frequently obtained by combining new casting techniques with minimally invasive surgery.

Slipped Epiphysis: A stress fracture of the hip which typically causes hip pain and limping in obese children between ages 9 and 15 years. The fracture can be surgically stabilized with placement of a metal screw performed through a tiny incision.

Growth Plate Damage: Usually occurring as a result of trauma or infection involving a growth center of a bone. This may cause the limb to become short or crooked. Various surgical procedures are available to lengthen and straighten affected limbs.

Hip Dysplasia: When one or both hips are unstable at birth there is a potential for dislocation of the hip joints. If detected shortly after birth, 95% of dysplastic hips can be normalized with the use of a Pavlik brace. If detected later, surgical treatment is needed to successfully put the hip back in the socket.