Pediatric orthopedics is the branch of orthopedics concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies affecting the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles) of newborns, children and young people up to the age of 18.
The field of interest is very broad, and includes all congenital malformations and acquired or developmental pathologies affecting the upper or lower limbs, or the spine during growth. Pediatric orthopedics also deals with traumatology (fractures, epiphyseal detachments) and long-term consequences (length discrepancies, pseudarthrosis, callus, etc.) in the same age group.
When should you consult a paediatric orthopaedist?
It is advisable to consult a pediatric orthopedist when you suspect or encounter problems related to the growth or development of children, such as :
- flat or hollow feet
- weak or varus knees
- lower limb length discrepancies
- hip dysplasia
- congenital clubfoot
- upper and lower limb deformities
- Perthes’ disease
- fractures
Pediatric orthopedics in Turkey: how it works
The pediatric orthopedics clinics in Turkey diagnoses and treats orthopedic pathologies in newborns, children and adolescents.
The diagnosis of a pediatric orthopedist involves an initial pediatric orthopedic visit.
Here you’ll find a specialized pediatric orthopedic team led by the best doctors in Turkey.
Here you can :
- pediatric orthopedic check-ups
- corrective treatment of newborn foot deformities
- ultrasound examination of newborn hips for hip dysplasia – screening or 2nd level – with the possibility of direct payment for treatment
- correction of complex deformities with external fixators
Common types of treatment
Here are some examples of treatments commonly used in pediatric orthopedics:
Non-surgical treatments:
Physiotherapy: Specific exercises to strengthen muscles, improve mobility and correct poor posture.
Orthoses: Appliances (splints, orthopedic shoes, etc.) designed to support joints, correct deformities and promote healing.
Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and fever, or other medications depending on the condition.
Injections: Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the joints.
Rehabilitation: Personalized programs to improve strength, coordination and overall function.
Surgical treatments:
- Osteotomies: Resection and realignment of bones to correct deformities.
- Arthrodeses: Joint fusion to stabilize an unstable joint.
- Bone lengthening: Procedure to increase the length of a bone.
- Bone transplantation: Bone grafting to repair complex fractures or bone defects.
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat joint problems.
- Conditions treated in pediatric orthopedics
- Pediatric orthopedists treat a wide range of conditions, including :
- Clubfoot: Deformity of the foot present at birth.
- Hip dysplasia: Abnormal development of the hip joint.
- Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine.
- Growth disorders: Disorders affecting bone growth, such as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
Fractures: Bone fractures.
Bone tumors: Abnormal growth of cells in bone.
Bone infections: Infection of bones, usually caused by bacteria.
Neuromuscular disorders: Conditions affecting nerves and muscles.
When should you consult a pediatric orthopedist?
It’s important to consult a pediatric orthopedist if you notice the following signs in your child:
- Persistent bone or joint pain
- Lameness
- Difficulty walking or running
- Bone or joint deformities
- Swelling or redness around joints
- Limitation of movement
- Abnormal growth
When should you consult a pediatric orthopedist?
It’s advisable to consult a pediatric orthopedist in Turkey if your child shows signs of persistent pain, bone deformities, difficulty walking, lameness, recurrent joint pain or any other abnormality in the musculoskeletal system. Pediatric orthopedists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of bone, joint and muscle disorders in children. They can also treat congenital deformities and the after-effects of trauma. Don’t hesitate to consult us if you have the slightest doubt.
The most common reasons for consulting a pediatric orthopedist include :
- frequent and intense bone pain
- Walking difficulties or lameness
- Limb or spinal deformities
- Trauma (fractures, sprains, etc.)
- Bone or joint infections
- Growth disorders