A pediatric orthopaedist is the best-trained and most experienced doctor to properly evaluate and treat musculoskeletal (bone, joint, or muscle) problems in a child who is still growing.

Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons choose to make pediatric care the core of their medical practice. The unique nature of medical and surgical care of children is learned from advanced training and experience in practice. They are doctors who have:

• Graduated from an approved medical school (typically four years)
• Graduated from an approved orthopaedic surgery residency program (typically five years)
• Completed additional subspecialty training in pediatric orthopaedics (typically one year)

A child's musculoskeletal problems are different from those of an adult. Because children are still growing, their body's response to injuries, infections, and deformities may be quite different than what it would be seen in a full-grown person. Sometimes, what is thought to be a problem is just a variation of growth that will resolve with time. Many of the problems children have with their bones and joints do not even occur in adults. And, for the same problem that an adult might have, the evaluation and treatment is usually quite different for a child. Children with complex pediatric problems are best managed by a medical-surgical team approach.

Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons diagnose, treat, and manage children's musculoskeletal problems, such as:

• Limb and spine deformities noted at birth, or later in life (clubfoot, scoliosis, limb length differences)
• Gait abnormalities (limping)
• Broken bones
• Bone or joint infections and tumors

Children are not just small adults. They cannot always say what is bothering them, or answer medical questions, or be patient and cooperative during a medical examination. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons know how to examine and treat children in a way to help them be relaxed and cooperative. They appreciate the worry that goes with having a child with a musculoskeletal problem and they have experience in communicating with anxious family members. Most pediatric orthopaedic surgeons' offices are arranged and decorated with children in mind. Specially designed equipment, available toys, videos, and reading materials all help to create a comfortable and nonthreatening environment for the child.

Pediatric orthopaedists have the widest range of treatment options, the most extensive and comprehensive training, and the greatest expertise in dealing with children and treating their musculoskeletal problems. Your pediatrician or primary care doctor may have suggestions about whom to see, or if you feel that a pediatric orthopaedist is the right doctor for your child, the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) web site contains a directory of members in every geographic location.

Pediatric Society of North America Find a Doctor Find a Doctor (http://www.posna.org/members/memdir/memdir.cfm)

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon's Find an Orthopaedist Find an Orthopaedist (http://www6.aaos.org/about/public/members.cfm)

American Academy of Pediatrics Find a Pediatrician Find a Pediatrician (http://www.aap.org/referral/)