What is a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon?
If your child has musculoskeletal (bone) problems, a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon has the experience and qualifications to treat your child.
What Kind of Training do Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons Have?
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons are medical doctors who have had:
- At least 4 years of medical school
- One year of a medical or surgical internship
- At least 5 additional years of residency training in orthopedic surgery
- At least 2 additional years of fellowship training in pediatric orthopedics
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons treat children from the newborn stage through the teenage years. They choose to make pediatric care the core of their medical practice, and the unique nature of medical and surgical care of children is learned from advanced training and experienced in practice.
What Types of Treatments do Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons Provide?
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons diagnose, treat and manage children’s musculoskeletal problems including the following:
- Limb and spine deformities (such as club foot, scoliosis)
- Gait abnormalities (limping)
- Bone and joint infections
- Broken bones
Where Can I Find an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons’ practice in a variety of medical institutions including children’s hospitals, university medical centers and large community hospitals.
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons – The Best Care for Children
Children are just small adults. They cannot always say what is bothering them. They cannot always answer medical questions, and are not always able to be patient and cooperative during a medical examination. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons know how to examine and treat children in a way that makes them relaxed and cooperative. In addition, pediatric orthopedic surgeons often use equipment specially designed for children. Most pediatric orthopedic surgeons’ offices are arranged and decorated with children in mind. This includes the examination rooms and waiting rooms, which may have toys, videos and reading materials for children. This helps create a comfortable and non-threatening environment for your child.
If your pediatrician suggest that your child see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, you can be assured that he or she has the widest range of treatment options, the most extensive and comprehensive training, the greatest expertise in dealing with children, and in treating children’s orthopedic disorders.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Professional Organizations and Resources
Our physicians have qualified for membership in a number of professional organizations. These organizations have many resources available to patients on their websites. Please click on the specific organization to access the resources.
