What Is Pediatric Orthopedics?
There can be many issues with our bodies as they grow and develop. However, different issues require different specialists with particular knowledge for how to best treat patients. The medical field of orthopedics is devoted to helping individuals who have conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. In this field, orthopedic surgeons use surgical and nonsurgical methods to treat these musculoskeletal issues.
So what is pediatric orthopedics? Pediatric orthopedics—also known as pediatric orthopedic surgery—is a specialized version of orthopedics that focuses on children and the musculoskeletal issues they may have. These issues may differ somewhat from those seen in regular orthopedics, as children’s musculoskeletal systems are still developing, which can lead to various issues.
Here are some of the common symptoms, issues, and conditions that are treated in pediatric orthopedics:
- Scoliosis
- Spinal diseases and other issues
- Clubfoot
- Congenital disorders
- Hip dysplasia
- Musculoskeletal injuries and trauma
- Growth plate fractures
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- Sports injuries
- Infections
- Tumors
- Degenerative diseases
Without the specialized care offered by pediatric orthopedic surgeons, many of these issues could worsen and continue to affect children for the rest of their lives.
The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) continues to provide humanitarian aid to children and their families through our hospitals, pediatric medical programs, health initiatives, hospital infrastructure projects, orphan and refugee sponsorships, and medical missions. These efforts help to ensure that children in need get the vital assistance they require.
In 2014, the PCRF set up the Pediatric Orthopedic And Educational Training (POET) Program at the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to train local surgeons in pediatric orthopedic surgery through visiting specialists and training abroad, and to offer medical equipment and the treatment of complex patients. The goal of the POET program is to build up local capacity in Palestine so children with orthopedic deformities can be treated adequately by highly skilled local surgeons and to reduce the referral of patients abroad or out of the public system.
PCRF is not a political or religious organization. Our mission is to provide medical and humanitarian relief collectively and individually to Arab children throughout the Middle East, regardless of their nationality, politics, or religion. We rely on charitable giving to provide medical treatment, surgeries, safety, shelter, and support to children and their families in Palestine and the Levant. Find out how you can get involved and help make a difference in children’s lives today!