Childhood traumatology

Advantages of pediatric traumatology and orthopedics

Pediatric traumatology and pediatric orthopedics is a specialty of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery that deals specifically with problems of the locomotor system (bones, muscles and joints) of growing children, from birth to adolescence.
Children are not miniature adults. Their musculoskeletal system is constantly developing, and their bones, joints and muscles are different from those of adults. 
There are pathologies specific to childhood and the developing body that respond differently to trauma, infections or deformities. This means that they must be evaluated and treated by professionals who know how to recognize these special characteristics, which often make the treatment and results different from those of mature people. 
A specialized approach is crucial. Unlike in adults, treatment in children must consider the impact on future growth and development. Inadequate treatment can affect bone and muscle development, which could lead to chronic problems.

Main injuries and orthopedic problems in children

• Upper and lower limb fractures: Children are especially prone to arm and leg fractures due to falls and sports activities. We treat these injuries with advanced techniques that facilitate a faster and safer recovery.
• Submersible plasters: An ideal choice for active children, as these casts allow patients to bathe or swim without compromising bone immobilization.
• Sports injuries: These injuries include sprains, muscle tears and bruises common in young athletes, often treated with a combination of immobilization, physical therapy and rehabilitation.
• Growth cartilage injuries: The growth plate is a crucial part of bone development. Injuries to this area can affect normal bone growth if not treated properly.
• Chondral lesions and apophysitis: These conditions include Sever's disease (heel pain) and Osgood-Schlatter's disease (knee pain), which are caused by repeated stress on areas where tendons attach to bone.
• Sequelae of fractures: In some cases, fractures can leave sequelae that affect the function of the affected limb. Our team works to minimize these sequelae through personalized treatments.

Most common treatments in Pediatric Traumatology

• Gait disturbances or limping: We address problems that affect the way children walk, using advanced diagnostic techniques and treatments tailored to the underlying cause.
• Alignment or torsion deformities of the lower limbs: We treat conditions such as knock knees (genu valgum) or bowed knees (genu varum), which can be corrected through physical therapy or, in more severe cases, with surgery.
• Hip disorders:
- Transient synovitis: a temporary inflammation of the hip that causes pain and difficulty walking.
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip: A problem in the formation of the hip joint that can lead to dislocations if not treated in time.
- Perthes disease and epiphysiolysis capitis femoris: Conditions that affect the blood supply to the hip bone and may disrupt normal bone growth.
• Deformities secondary to neuromuscular diseases: We treat deformities resulting from neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy, which affect posture and movement.
• Lower limb dismetries: Differences in leg length that can cause balance and posture problems, managed with treatments including braces, splints, or corrective surgery.
• Foot deformities: Such as clubfoot or flatfoot, which can be treated using conservative or surgical techniques depending on the case.
• Upper limb deformities: We treat abnormalities in the arms or hands, whether congenital or acquired, to improve functionality and aesthetics.
• Skeletal dysplasias: Genetic conditions that affect bone growth and development, requiring a multidisciplinary approach and specialized treatment.
• Bone tumors and pseudotumoral lesions: We evaluate and treat bone masses that may be benign or malignant, using a combination of surgery and therapy.
• Osteoarticular infections: Bone and joint infections in children that require prompt and effective treatment to prevent serious complications.
• Back deformities:
- Congenital torticollis: A contraction of the neck that causes a tilt or rotation of the head.
- Scoliosis and kyphosis: Abnormal curvatures of the spine that can be treated with orthopedic corsets or surgery, depending on the severity.
- Back pain: Although less common in children, back pain may be related to muscular or skeletal problems that require professional evaluation.