SPOTTING THE SUBTLE SIGNS

Why early attention to pediatric orthopaedic issues matters

- BY JACLYN GREENBERG

Early identification and treatment of pediatric orthopaedic issues can make a dramatic difference in outcomes. Cerebral palsy can affect muscle control and movement in varying degrees — from mild difficulty walking to a complete inability to move or speak. When it comes to children's health, some problems are easy to spot — a runny nose, a scraped knee. But orthopaedic issues often fly under the radar, silently affecting a child's development long before a parent notices anything is wrong.

Take scoliosis, for example. It typically causes no pain and may not be visible at first glance, yet it affects approximately 2% to 3% of the U.S. population, according to the National Scoliosis Foundation. Mild cerebral palsy might not become apparent until a child shows differences in limb use, and hip dysplasia can exist without limiting a child's activity — until it becomes a bigger problem later in life.

There are a variety of potential orthopaedic issues seen in children, but the most common include clubfoot, hip dysplasia, scoliosis, and growth plate injuries,” said Dr. Alexander H. Lopyan, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon with the Children’s Health Network at RWJBarnabas Health. “Fractures are also frequent because kids are so active. In younger children, we often see flatfoot, bowlegs, or knock-knees — many of which improve over time, though some may need treatment or monitoring to avoid future complications.

The overarching message from pediatric orthopaedic specialists is simple:

WHEN IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT.

PEDIATRIC VS. ADULT ORTHOPAEDIC CONCERNS