When facing musculosketal issues, why should kids visit a pediatric orthopaedic specialist? A pediatric orthopaedic surgeon is the best-trained doctor to properly evaluate, treat, and manage musculoskeletal (bone, joint, or muscle) problems in a child from a newborn up through the teenage years. They have completed specialized training and gained advanced practice experience in managing children and their families. It’s important to know that children are not simply small adults. Children have different physiology and biology that creates a different set of problems, different patterns of injury, and require different treatments in order to avoid problems that may go on to be life-long. Moreover, pediatric orthopaedic surgeons know that children may have a hard time describing what is bothering them, answering questions, or cooperating with an exam. They are experienced in how to examine and treat children in a way that helps them to be relaxed and cooperative, as well as appreciating the concerns and anxiety of the family members. For parents, what are some warning signs that suggest their kids need to visit a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon? Pediatric surgeons manage a variety of conditions that involve the arms, legs and spine. Broken bones, problems walking, crooked limbs, curves in the spine, bone/joint infections, and sports-related injuries are just some examples of the conditions that pediatric orthopaedic surgeons routinely manage. If your child has pain in their arms, legs, or back that is interfering with their activities or disrupting their sleep, then they may benefit from an evaluation that starts with questions and an exam. They may require imaging such as an x-ray or MRI if necessary. What are some common kid’s sports injuries you see and what is the return to play process like? More and more kids are playing year-round sports, often for multiple teams, and with more intense training or practices than in years past. As a result, the number of sports-related injuries is increasing in Memphis and across the U.S. A majority of injuries occur in the lower extremity involving the ankle, knee, or hip, but injuries to the arm and shoulder are also common. Most injuries can be managed with rest, limiting activity, ice, and size-appropriate braces. Others may require age-appropriate physical therapy with therapists experienced in working with children. Even less often, your child may require surgery in order to get back to normal activities and function. It is important that if your child does require surgery, that your surgeon and entire care team is experienced in managing children and teenagers. Before athletes can get back to safe play, it is imperative that they have received appropriate treatment and achieved their functional and return-to-sport goals. In the past, Campbell Clinic has been regionally recognized with Le Bonheur as one of the best pediatric orthopaedic facilities in Tennessee. What are some factors that have contributed to your success? Campbell Clinic is currently the only orthopedic provider for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital. We are a nationally recognized program for excellence in patient care, education, and leadership in the field of pediatric orthopedics for over 100 years. With nine specialty clinics at Le Bonheur and regular clinics at each of the Campbell Clinic locations as well as Jackson, TN and Tupelo, MS, the Campbell Clinic has never been better equipped to manage musculoskeletal problems in children across the Mid-South.
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