Pediatric Orthopedics
Children are often on the move, and their rapid rate of activity is crucial for maintaining optimal overall health. At the Westfield Orthopedic Group, we intend to keep it this way by offering pediatric orthopedic services that are designed to help kids remain as active as they can with minimal interruptions.
Younger vs. older patients
Younger patients have unique needs and demands that require special attention from a trained expert. Their bodies are constantly growing and differ from adults in many ways, which means an ankle sprain in an adolescent won’t look the same as an ankle sprain in a mature adult. One of the biggest differences is the presence of growth plates in developing children and adolescents, which are areas of cartilage on the ends of long bones—like those of the arms and legs—that help these bones grow. A growth plate can be broken when there is a significant force in an injury, and enough damage to the plate could affect how that bone will grow in the future. In extreme cases, the plate can close and result in bone deformities that will impact a child’s movement and development.
Our doctors fully understand the challenges that come with treating these young patients and have the training and experience needed to help them recover and avoid complications. This is done be using the following steps:
- We start with a thorough evaluation of the patient at their first visit that carefully tracks the events that led to the pain or injury and any similar injury history.
- Next, we make it a priority to carefully explain the diagnosis to the patient and their parent/guardian before discussing all treatment options available and the risks and benefits involved with each.
- After a treatment decision is made, we carefully monitor patients throughout their entire course of care and ensure that they only return to sports or activities when their body is ready, and continue to assess them afterwards.
Our doctors also know that it may be difficult to effectively communicate with younger patients during their treatment, which is why we take special care to create a relaxed and inviting environment that makes them feel comfortable.
Surgical and non-surgical services for any pediatric condition
At the Westfield Orthopedic Group, we offer surgical and non-surgical services that account for the range of conditions pediatric patients may experience. Determining which treatment is appropriate for your child depends on many factors, and in most cases, surgery is not needed. We utilize the latest technology and cutting edge equipment, and deliver care through our dedicated team. Regardless of the treatment plan selected, our goal is always to help patients recover in the safest, most effective manner while also reducing their risk for future injury.
Our pediatric orthopedic services apply to patients from newborn to teenage years, and we treat a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and orthopedic conditions. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Sports injuries
- Broken bones (fractures)
- Growth plate injuries
- Sprains
- Strains
- Scoliosis
- Kyphosis
- Foot disorders
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Sever’s disease
- Gait abnormalities
Exceptional pediatric orthopedics
Let us help your child continue to grow uninterrupted by injury with our comprehensive orthopedic care. If you’re interested in learning more about the Westfield Orthopedic Group’s exceptional pediatric orthopedic services and how we can help your child improve, please call us at 908-232-3879 or fill out an appointment request form.