Pediatric Orthopedic Emergencies

Abstract

Proper care of orthopedic injuries and emergencies in children and adolescents requires knowledge of the altered bone and ligament characteristics, varying stages of skeletal development, and potential for congenital or developmental abnormalities. Pediatric fractures affecting the growth plate require unique management to maintain optimal growth. Whereas some specific fractures in these skeletally immature patients require urgent surgical repair, other fractures remodel extremely well and can be managed with a simple splint. Particular dislocations are common in this population and may have concomitant fractures. There are several overuse injuries seen primarily in children, and treatment aims to keep the patient active while allowing the injury to heal. Potentially devastating osteoarticular infections occur in the pediatric population and must be differentiated from more benign causes of joint pain, such as transient synovitis or congenital abnormalities. Children are also at risk for abnormalities such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which are rarely diagnosed in the adult population. It is imperative for a clinician to be aware of these and other nuances to optimally care for orthopedic injuries and emergencies in the pediatric population. Key words: bone, musculoskeletal, orthopedic, skeletal