Orthopedic Conditions and Treatments

Nationally Recognized Orthopedic Care for Children in Detroit

When persistent growing pains make every movement a burden to your child, we're here to help. At the Children's Hospital of Michigan, we treat all types of pediatric and musculoskeletal conditions, from broken bones to spinal disorders and cancers. Our team of orthopedic doctors and staff combine experience, compassion and the latest technology to provide the best orthopedic treatment options for your child.

Proper treatment for your children's orthopedic condition can help build a strong foundation for a lifetime of pain-free walking, running and play. Your child may benefit from our collaborative care through our dedicated orthopedic team of multispecialty doctors, nurses, physical therapists and nutritionists.

The US News & World Report has consistently ranked the Children’s Hospital of Michigan among the best pediatric hospitals in the country for the past 14 years in six pediatric specialties:

• Cancer
• Gastroenterology and GI Surgery
• Nephrology
• Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Orthopedics
• Urology

Fill out our request referral form or call 313-745-KIDS, and we'll connect you to our dedicated staff to provide helpful information about our pediatric orthopedic doctors and services and assist you in making an appointment.

What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Treat?

Orthopedics is a medical specialty that treats injuries and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. This complex system consists of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. The musculoskeletal system enables the body to move, work and be active.

Orthopedic doctors, also called orthopedic surgeons, treat musculoskeletal injuries and disorders with a full continuum of care, including diagnosis, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation. Many orthopedic doctors specialize in certain areas.

Pediatric orthopedic doctors focus on the medical and surgical care of a full range of musculoskeletal problems in children, including newborn babies and teenagers, with:

• Limb and spine deformities present at birth or later in life (clubfoot, scoliosis, limb length differences in the legs or arms)
• Gait abnormalities (limping)
• Broken bones
• Torn ligaments (anterior cruciate ligament injuries, rotator cuff tears, etc.)
• Tendinitis and bursitis
• Bone, joint and muscle infections

They closely work with doctors from other specialties to treat and manage more complex conditions, such as:

• Bone tumors, including bone cancer
• Cerebral palsy
• Juvenile arthritis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Spina bifida

Is your child part of the 25%-40% of children who experience pain in the lower legs during their formative years? Learn about growing pains here and when to seek immediate help if it's a more severe condition.

What Are Orthopedic Services?

Orthopedic services focus on treating medical conditions that can affect the musculoskeletal system. The following are some of the most common conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system:

• Fracture – A break in the bone
• Nonunions–Failure of fractures to heal
• Malunions–Fractures healing in a wrong position
• Congenital bone diseases – Bone conditions that are evident at or soon after birth, caused mainly by factors operating during pregnancy, delivery or early infancy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome–Occurs when the median nerve that runs from the forearm and into the palm becomes compressed as it passes through an opening from the wrist to the hand. This narrow and rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand is called the carpal tunnel. Pain and numbness occur when the lining of irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and compresses the median nerve
• Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of joint functions. It can also affect the eyes, mouth and lungs
• Lupus – An autoimmune disease that attacks healthy tissues and affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain and other organs
• Osteomyelitis – This is a bone infection caused by bacteria, fungi or other germs
• Septic arthritis – A condition that develops when bacteria or microorganisms spread through the blood to a joint
• Strains or sprains – An injury to the ligaments around a joint due to overstretching

Children participating in organized sports learn valuable life lessons outside school and at home. But how can you ensure their safety on and off the court? Read our Healthy Living article about Protecting Young Athletes from Sports Injuries for tips on preventing sports and recreation-related injuries.