Kids seem more challenging than adults sometimes, and can overcome some incredible obstacles and injuries – but not when it comes to their bones. Children's bones are still developing and fusing, making fractures more complex than those in adults.
Pediatric orthopaedic care is something you should be familiar with if you have kids. At Orthopaedic Specialists in Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Brandon Downs provides orthopaedic care to adults and kids.
He's an experienced orthopaedic surgeon providing physical therapy, conservative therapies, and surgical approaches to various musculoskeletal issues in kids.
Kids' bones and adult bones differ in many ways. In fact, babies are born with 300 bones that eventually fuse to equal 206 bones as an adult. The main differences between a child's bones and adult bones are:
A child's bones are much softer and more flexible than an adult's. They often have different fractures because the bones may bend instead of breaking completely. Children's bones also contain significantly more cartilage than those of adults.
Growth plates are at the ends of the long bones in children. They are soft and contain cartilage, and are the last part to harden. As a result, an injury to the growth plate before it matures can lead to growth issues in that bone.
The periosteum, or connective tissue that covers the bones, is much thicker in kids. It can make fractures harder to see on imaging studies, but allows the bones to heal faster.
A child's bones are still growing and developing, which means they heal and remodel themselves much more quickly than an adult’s.
Your child may require the services of an orthopaedic specialist, such as Dr. Downs, if they have any musculoskeletal problems or an acute sports injury. Children's bones aren't yet fully developed, which means they require specialized care.
A pediatric orthopaedic specialist is well-versed in the intricacies of a child's bones and their healing process, ensuring a swift and effective recovery. If the growth plates become injured, it can affect bone growth later on.
Children are prone to injuries and musculoskeletal pain, and it's essential to consult a specialist to ensure their growing bones heal correctly and don't cause long-term issues with growth and development.
A pediatric orthopaedic specialist treats a wide range of musculoskeletal issues in children. They are familiar with the specific anatomy of a child's bone structure and offer customized treatment plans to ensure the child receives the age-appropriate therapy they need.
We treat a variety of orthopaedic conditions in children, including the following:
Active children are at risk for injuries such as ligament and tendon tears, sprains, and broken bones. We provide the necessary treatment and offer preventive measures to keep your child from getting hurt again.
Call Dr. Downs at Orthopaedic Specialists today to schedule an appointment at one of our five offices in the Nashville, Tennessee, area, or request a consultation online.
