Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma Specialists: Specialized Care for Injuries in Children

When your child is injured, visiting the correct specialist is critical to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. At The Pediatric Orthopedic Center, our team of specialists are uniquely trained to address pediatric orthopedic trauma injuries and support optimal recovery.

What is Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma?

Pediatric orthopedic trauma encompasses a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries in children caused by accidents, falls, or high-impact activities. These injuries often involve bones, joints, and soft tissues and require prompt, specialized care to ensure proper healing and the best outcomes for growing children.

Common Injuries Treated by Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma Specialists

Pediatric orthopedic trauma specialists treat a variety of injuries, including:

• Fractures: From minor cracks to severe breaks, including those involving growth plates, which require prompt treatment to avoid complications.
• Dislocations: When bones in a joint are displaced, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to ligaments, tendons, and muscles that require careful management to ensure proper healing.
• Growth Plate Injuries: Unique to children, these injuries can disrupt bone development if not treated correctly.

When Should I See a Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma Specialist?

Immediate evaluation by a specialist will help identify and begin treatment of most cases of pediatric orthopedic trauma. Seeing a specialist as soon as possible is crucial to ensuring your child receives quick attention and careful treatment for quick and optimal healing. If your child experiences any of the following, contact a pediatric orthopedic trauma specialist:

• Severe pain and swelling: Indicators of a fracture or serious injury.
• Visible deformity: Abnormal angling or shape of a limb.
• Inability to use the affected limb: Difficulty moving or bearing weight could indicate a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain.
• Persistent pain: Lingering discomfort after a seemingly minor injury could signal an underlying issue.

However, some cases are even more urgent. For limb-threatening injuries, such as open fractures, excessive bleeding, or significant limb deformity, visit your nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately.

Conditions, Causes, and Risk Factors for Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma

Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma can be the result of a number of activities. Most often, the age of your child will be a key indicator in what risk factors to look out for. From the time they start walking until they age out of pediatric care, extra precaution should be taken in the following cases to avoid pediatric orthopedic trauma:

• Sports Activities: High-impact sports frequently lead to fractures, sprains, and other injuries.
• Accidents: Falls, collisions, and other incidents at home, school, or outdoors are common causes.
• Developmental Stage: Young children, still mastering motor skills, are especially prone to accidents.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma

At The Pediatric Orthopedic Center, our board-certified specialists provide expert care using advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury and includes both nonsurgical and surgical options.

Nonsurgical Treatments

• Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises to improve mobility, rebuild strength, and prevent stiffness or re-injury.
• Medications: For pain relief and inflammation management.
• Casting and Splinting: Immobilizing fractures to support natural healing.

Surgical Treatments

In cases of severe or complex fractures, surgery may be necessary to:

• Realign fractured bones: Using plates, screws, or rods for stabilization.
• Repair soft tissue injuries: Torn ligaments or tendons may require surgical intervention.
• Address complex fractures: Advanced techniques ensure proper alignment and healing.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma

Like each injury, every child’s recovery will be unique. Therefore, their recovery plan should be similarly unique. While the recovery and rehabilitation journey will be tailored to each child’s specific needs, parents can expect the following focuses:

• Pain Management: Ensuring comfort during the healing process.
• Mobility Restoration: Gradual return to normal activities through guided rehabilitation.
• Strengthening: Exercises to rebuild strength and prevent re-injury.

Our team at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center also collaborates with physical therapists to support comprehensive recovery for our patients.

About The Pediatric Orthopedic Center

We are the only facility in New Jersey with a physician-staffed pediatric orthopedic urgent care center, offering walk-in hours for timely and effective treatment. With prompt evaluation and care, we aim to minimize complications and promote faster recovery for every child.

About Dr. Mark Solomon

Dr. Mark E. Solomon is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Although practicing a philosophy of conservative care, Dr. Solomon has performed hundreds of surgeries including those for bunions, hammertoes, aggravated nerves/neuromas, heel pains, sport medicine injuries, trauma, and diabetic limb salvage.

Request an Appointment

For expert evaluation and treatment of your child’s injury, trust the specialists at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center. Don’t wait—early evaluation and treatment can make all the difference. Call us at (973) 538-7700 to schedule an appointment.