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Pediatric Orthopedics

Childhood is the period in which physical development occurs most rapidly. Musculoskeletal problems that arise during this phase can lead to permanent issues if not diagnosed and treated in time. At this point, pediatric orthopedics stands out as a critical specialty to protect and improve children’s musculoskeletal health.

Healme Clinic supports children’s healthy development journey with its experienced specialists and advanced diagnostic and treatment methods in the field of pediatric orthopedics.

What Is Pediatric Orthopedics?

Pediatric orthopedics is the medical field concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of muscle, bone, joint, and spine disorders seen from birth to adolescence. Compared to adults, children's bone structures are different and constantly evolving. Therefore, evaluations and approaches specific to children are necessary.

When Should You Consult a Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist?

Gait and Posture Disorders

If your child displays signs such as in-toeing, walking on tiptoes, or limping, orthopedic evaluation may be required. These conditions can often be corrected with early intervention.

Congenital Orthopedic Conditions

Some orthopedic conditions are present at birth. These include:

  • Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
  • Clubfoot
  • Torticollis (neck tilting)
  • Congenital limb length discrepancies

Healme Clinic ensures early diagnosis of such congenital orthopedic problems and creates effective treatment plans.

Spinal Curvatures

Spinal issues such as scoliosis (lateral spine curvature) and kyphosis often emerge during adolescence. Early diagnosis allows for treatment options such as exercise, bracing, or surgery.

Trauma and Fractures

Due to their high levels of activity, children are prone to falls and injuries. Fractures that occur in these cases can affect the growth plates. Fracture treatment in children requires more careful planning than in adults.

Common Pediatric Orthopedic Conditions

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

A condition where the hip joint fails to develop normally. It usually presents at birth and can be successfully treated if diagnosed within the first three months. Delayed diagnosis may require surgical intervention.

Clubfoot (Pes Equinovarus)

A congenital deformity where the foot turns inward and downward. It can be treated with the Ponseti method, using serial casting and specialized shoes.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Common during adolescence, this condition causes pain below the kneecap. It is often seen in physically active children.

Flatfoot (Pes Planus)

While flatfoot is normal in infants, it should resolve by the age of 6 or 7. If the arch still hasn’t developed by then, orthopedic evaluation is recommended. Healme Clinic offers custom insoles and exercise programs to address this issue.

Scoliosis

This refers to the sideways curvature of the spine. Mild cases are monitored, while more severe ones may require bracing or surgery. Diagnosis is made through clinical examination and X-rays.

Diagnostic Methods in Pediatric Orthopedics

Clinical Examination

A detailed physical examination by an experienced pediatric orthopedic specialist is essential for understanding the course of the condition. Gait analysis, leg length discrepancy, and spinal curvatures are thoroughly evaluated.

Imaging Techniques

  • X-ray: Provides information about bone structure
  • Ultrasound: Especially useful for diagnosing hip dysplasia in infants
  • MRI and CT: Offers detailed imaging of soft tissues and spine disorders

Healme Clinic uses child-friendly radiological equipment and skilled technicians to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Methods

Orthopedic Devices

Devices such as braces, casts, and specialized shoes are used to correct deformities. These non-invasive methods are generally effective in the early stages.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Used to increase muscle strength, preserve range of motion, and correct posture disorders. At Healme Clinic, individual exercise programs are implemented with pediatric physiotherapists in a child-friendly environment.

Surgical Intervention

In some cases, surgical treatment is inevitable. These include advanced hip dysplasia, severe scoliosis, or traumatic fractures. Healme Clinic employs minimally invasive surgical techniques to speed up recovery and minimize complications.

The Role of Families

Observation and Awareness

It is crucial for parents to observe their children’s walking patterns, posture, and movements. Early detection leads to earlier treatment and better outcomes.

Regular Check-ups

Routine orthopedic check-ups help identify problems that may arise during growth. Healme Clinic closely monitors developmental progress in children.

Treatment Compliance

The success of treatments like casting, bracing, or exercise programs depends heavily on the family's support and consistency.

Safe Steps with Healme Clinic

Healme Clinic offers a comprehensive approach to pediatric orthopedics. With multidisciplinary teamwork, child-friendly environments, and advanced technology, families feel confident and supported throughout the treatment process.

The clinic also emphasizes the psychological comfort of children during treatment. Individualized treatment plans are created for each child and followed step by step in collaboration with the family.

Conclusion

Pediatric orthopedics plays a vital role in ensuring children grow healthily and live active lives in the future. When addressed at the right time and in the right setting, many problems can be resolved before becoming permanent.

Healme Clinic continues to support children’s healthy development by combining knowledge, experience, and compassion in the field of pediatric orthopedics. Taking the right first step is essential to help your child take healthy steps into the future.