Orthopedics is the study of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. Working together, bones, joints and muscles enable children to walk, run, play sports and basically do all the physical activities they do every day.
But, as strong as bones are, they can break. Muscles can weaken and injury or disease can damage joints. If a child has a musculoskeletal problem, he or she will most likely be treated by an orthopedic surgeon.
Examples of children's musculoskeletal problems include:
- Broken bones
- Limb and spine deformities, such as scoliosis or club foot
- Gait abnormalities
- Bone and joint infections
- Abnormally formed hip joint
Families in South Jersey have access to Virtua's orthopedic surgeons who are specially trained to care for infants, children and teens. They diagnose and treat all types of musculoskeletal problems.
In addition, Virtua provides sports medicine specialists for when children get hurt during sports activities. Those injuries can include:
- Spinal cord injury
- Dislocated joint
- Stress fractures
- Overuse syndromes
- Shoulder separation
- Ankle sprain
- ACL injury
- "Little league" elbow
Virtua also provides the following services to children:
- The Center for Athletic Performance for sports-specific training
- Physical therapy to aid in recovery and prevention of another injury