Orthopedics Children - Best Doctors | Virtual Consultation Available

Found 1 Doctors specialized in Orthopedics Children

Dr. Eyal Mercado

Pediatric Orthopedist in Zichron Ya'akov

Orthopedics Children

4.9

Very professional. Amazing approach with children, provided a clear explanation of the findings and the continuation of treatment. Very positive experience, thank you very much.

Languages: Hebrew, English, Spanish

Insured by: Private visit

Hospitals: Schneider

Video consultation

Very professional. Amazing approach with children, provided a clear explanation of the findings and the continuation of treatment. Very positive experience, thank you very much.

Languages: Hebrew, English, Spanish

Insured by: Private visit

Hospitals: Schneider

Video consultation

Hof HaCarmel Mobile Post, Zichron Yaakov, 3080500

Petach Tikva

Contact

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General information about Orthopedics Children

Pediatric orthopedics deals with the diagnosis and treatment of problems of the bones, joints, muscles and spine in children, from birth through adolescence. The field includes gait problems, limb deformities, leg length discrepancies, scoliosis, fractures, bone and joint infections and tumors, and congenital deformities of the hands and feet.

Pediatric orthopedists are specialists in orthopedic surgery who have chosen to focus on treating children. In the United States, after a five-year residency in orthopedics, most pediatric orthopedists complete one to two years of dedicated pediatric fellowship training.

Children's bones are different from adults' bones. At the ends of the long bones are growth plates - areas from which the bone lengthens until growth is complete. These plates are more vulnerable than the rest of the bone, so an injury that would end in a sprain in an adult may cause a growth plate fracture in a child. In such cases, follow-up is needed to make sure the bone continues to grow properly.

On the other hand, much of what looks like a problem in a young child is a normal developmental variation that resolves with growth. Flat feet, bow legs or knock knees, and walking with the feet turned inward improve in most children without treatment. Part of a pediatric orthopedist's role is to distinguish between the two - and to spare unnecessary treatment no less than to identify what does require treatment.

Common areas of treatment:

Hip ultrasound in babies
Treatment of foot deformities · torticollis
Correction of congenital limb deformities
Skeletal infections in children
Treatment of fracture complications in children and adolescents

Conservative treatment vs. surgery

Most fractures in children are treated without surgery, and conditions such as developmental dysplasia of the hip and clubfoot are also often treated with casting and immobilization. When surgery is needed, a pediatric orthopedist uses methods adapted to a body that is still growing, such as guided growth to correct length discrepancies or deformities.

When to see a pediatric orthopedist

It is recommended to see a pediatric orthopedist when the child limps or avoids putting weight on the leg, when pain limits activity or recurs in the same place, when there is asymmetry between the two sides of the body, when a deformity worsens over time instead of improving, or when bone or joint pain is accompanied by fever, swelling or redness.

Frequently asked questions about Orthopedics Children

How is a pediatric orthopedist different from a general orthopedist?

A pediatric orthopedist specializes in musculoskeletal problems in children, whose bodies are still growing and developing. Some orthopedic problems are characteristic mainly of children, and in other cases what looks like a problem may actually be a natural part of development and resolve on its own over time. A pediatric orthopedist is familiar with the different stages of development and knows how to distinguish between a normal condition and one that requires examination or treatment. The examination itself is also different when it comes to children. It is not always easy for a child to explain what hurts or to cooperate throughout a medical examination. A pediatric orthopedist knows how to adapt the approach and examination to the child's age and needs, and to create an environment that is as calm and pleasant as possible. When surgery is needed, a pediatric orthopedist also takes future growth into account and uses methods and implants suited to a body that is still developing.

Does a child with flat feet need orthotics?

Flexible flatfoot is very common in children. In this condition, the arch of the foot disappears when the child stands, but reappears when they sit or stand on their toes. In most cases it is a natural part of development, and it improves with growth. If the flat foot does not cause pain or discomfort, there is usually no need for treatment. Orthotics cannot change the shape of a flexible flat foot either. If the child does have pain, soft orthotics can help relieve it. In such cases, cushioned off-the-shelf insoles may be just as effective as expensive custom-made orthotics. Rigid orthotics, on the other hand, may actually increase the pain. Not every flat foot is the same. A rigid flat foot, or one accompanied by a tight Achilles tendon, is a different condition that requires examination and assessment by a pediatric orthopedist.

My child walks with feet turned inward - will it go away?

Usually, yes. [Walking with the feet turned inward](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/common-ortho.html) usually does not affect walking, running or sports activity, and often resolves on its own with growth. Walking with the feet turned outward is also common when learning to walk, and usually improves with age. Depending on the cause, these conditions usually resolve by age ten.

Does every baby need a hip ultrasound?

According to the Ministry of Health, [an ultrasound to detect hip joint instability](https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4604429,00.html) is performed based on clinical indications, not as a screening test for all babies. When the physical examination shows no signs of instability, but there is a risk factor — for example, a family history of congenital hip dislocation, or foot deformities indicating intrauterine pressure — the baby should be referred for an ultrasound at six weeks of age and for an orthopedic examination. When there are no signs and no risk factors, the baby remains under the follow-up of the pediatrician or the Tipat Halav (well-baby) clinic. In case of doubt or a borderline finding, the baby should be referred for an orthopedic consultation or an ultrasound. Some doctors recommend an ultrasound for every baby, even without risk factors.

How much should a school backpack weigh, and does a heavy backpack cause scoliosis?

The commonly accepted recommendation is that the backpack should not weigh more than 10% to 15% of the child's body weight. A heavy backpack may cause back pain and changes in posture, and narrow, tight straps may cause numbness and weakness in the hands. A backpack with two wide, padded shoulder straps, a waist strap and separate compartments to distribute the weight is recommended. The backpack should be carried on both shoulders, close to the body and centered on the back, so that it does not hang more than about 10 centimeters below the waistline. A heavy backpack may cause pain, but it does not cause scoliosis. Carrying a backpack on one shoulder does not cause scoliosis either.

Do children need special shoes?

In most cases, no. Shoes are mainly meant to protect the foot, not to support or correct it. In the first months of life, babies' feet develop best when they are not in shoes, and socks are enough for warmth. When the child starts walking outdoors, they need shoes for protection - preferably comfortable shoes with a non-slip sole. [Orthopedists recommend](https://www.szmc.org.il/departments/wilf-childrens-hospital/ortopedit-yeladim/) letting young children walk barefoot or in shoes that allow natural movement: lightweight, with a flexible sole that bends easily. For school-age children too, lightweight, flexible, flat shoes are recommended for everyday use, unless there is a specific problem that requires adjustment. The most important factor in choosing shoes for children is fit - that is, choosing the right size. It is recommended to leave about one to one and a half centimeters of space in front of the big toe, choose a toe box at least as wide as the widest part of the foot, and check the size every four to six months. When the feet differ in size, buy according to the larger foot. It is better to go barefoot than to wear shoes that are too tight.