Pediatric Orthopedics

What is pediatric orthopedics?

At the Center for Orthopaedics, pediatric orthopedics focuses on treating injuries and deformities in children 4 and older. Because children are still developing, pediatric orthopedic treatment requires a unique approach to correct their problems without interfering with their growth.

The Center for Orthopaedics offers the most comprehensive pediatric orthopedics care in Southwest Louisiana, including diagnosis, treatment, and injury prevention.

What conditions do pediatric orthopedics specialists treat?

The Center for Orthopaedics team diagnoses and treats children’s orthopedic conditions, including:

• Joint damage
• Sports injuries
• Traumatic injuries
• Flat feet
• In-toeing
• Out-toeing
• Scoliosis
• Growth plate fractures and other bone fractures
• Club foot
• Limb length discrepancy
• Gait abnormalities (frequent falls, foot shuffling, staggering)

Whether deformity or injury caused your child’s orthopedic problems, the Center for Orthopaedics specialists provides skilled diagnosis and gentle care.

How are pediatric orthopedics conditions diagnosed?

Reaching a diagnosis starts with a physical exam and a thorough review of your child’s symptoms. When your child’s young, your input as a parent is particularly important. Include as many details as you can when explaining the child’s problem to the doctor.

The team carefully reviews your child’s medical history and might make a diagnosis at that time. In most cases, though, an imaging procedure like X-rays or an MRI is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. In some cases, your child will need blood tests.

How are pediatric orthopedics conditions treated?

The Center for Orthopaedics offers comprehensive pediatric orthopedics care. In many cases, first-line treatment includes nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, activity changes, bracing, and reduction (manipulation to restore a bone’s position and alignment without using surgery).

Some conditions, for example, scoliosis with a spinal curvature of greater than 50 degrees, usually require surgery. If your child needs surgery, they’ll typically have a customized rehabilitation plan to help them return safely to normal function.

The Center for Orthopaedics also offers athletic training services to student-athletes as they recover from an orthopedic injury. Through athletic training, children can learn preventive methods to help them excel in their sport while staying safe.

If your child suffers a sports injury or has a suspected deformity, call the Center for Orthopaedics office today or use the online scheduling feature to arrange your appointment.