UF Health Pediatric Orthopaedics, an Alliance with Shriners Children's, boasts the region’s most complete scope of practices for pediatric orthopaedics, which is why patients trust us to provide outstanding care for children with musculoskeletal issues.
We accomplish this with physicians who shine as fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. Our pediatric orthopaedic specialists are trained to help children with conditions that affect their bones, joints and spine. Since children’s bones have yet to fully develop, the approach must center on remedying the affected area but also keeping the child on track for healthy growth.
Additionally, these highly skilled physicians have a patient-centered facility at their disposal, the nationally recognized Shriners Center of Excellence. The facility features kid-friendly space and cutting-edge imaging and technology, including EOS low-dose imaging, all located on the fourth floor of the UF Health Orthopaedics Sports Medicine Institute (OSMI).
- Scoliosis and complex spinal deformities
- Limb deformities and deficiencies
- Hip dysplasia
- Orthopaedic trauma
- Clubfoot and other disorders of the foot
- Sports injuries in young children
- Congenital, developmental and
neuromuscular conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system
- Apifix
- Custom 3D Scoliosis Bracing
- Spinal fusion and growing rod surgery
- Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT)
- Mehta casting
- Boston 3D Bracing
- Rigo Cheneau 3D Bracing
- Schroth Therapy
- Hip preservation surgeries
- Limb-lengthening surgeries
- Growth modulation and reconstruction for deformities of the lower extremity
- Fracture repair and reconstruction
- Ponseti casting for clubfoot
- Arthroscopy
- Surgery for spine, hips and feet related to cerebral palsy
Of the conditions above, two that are most regularly seen are scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and club foot, a developmental deformity in which the feet are turned inward, which causes a child to walk on the sides of the foot.
Club foot is treated with a process known as Ponseti casting. This involves casting the foot every one to two weeks to straighten it, usually followed by a small surgery and bracing.
Scoliosis and related conditions can cause very severe and even life-threatening problems in growing children. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons use a variety of technologies and treatments, including Mehta casting and magnetic controlled growing rods for younger children, and vertebral body tethering and fusion for children who are older.
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons treat complex fractures in children, which can sometimes affect the growth of the bone. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons also treat brittle bone conditions like osteogenesis imperfecta, bone tumors in children, hip dysplasia, and the effects of cerebral palsy and other health problems that impair movement.
