Pediatric Orthopedic Injuries/Conditions

What problems do orthopedic surgeons treat for pediatric patients?

As a hand and upper-extremity  orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Abrams focuses on injuries and conditions that affect the hand, wrist, and forearm of pediatric patients, including:

Fractures

Fractures are broken bones. Due to their active and curious nature, children are prone to fractures from falls and accidents. The wrist and forearm are especially common fracture locations. Fractures cause immediate pain and swelling. 

Childhood fractures require specialized care because the break may injure a growth plate, which is the area of a long bone that’s still developing in growing children.

Trigger finger

Trigger finger or thumb causes the finger to get caught in a bent position. This condition may be painless, but it can interfere with normal hand function. 

Ganglion cysts

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that appears as a lump next to a joint or tendon. Ganglion cysts are most common in the wrist or finger joints. These cysts may cause pain and difficulty using the hand. 

Sports injuries

Many sports injuries affect the hand and wrist, including sprains, strains, and fractures. Fingertip crush injuries are also common during sports. 

Nerve injuries

A fracture, cut, or crush injury may damage a nerve in the hand or wrist. Your child may have a nerve injury if they complain of numbness or a pins-and-needles feeling in their hand or fingers. 

Congenital Hand deformities

Some children can be born with abnormaltiies to the fingers or hand. These can often be improved with conservative treatments, but sometimes surgical reconstruction provides the most improvement. 

When should I take my child to an orthopedic surgeon?

You should call Dr. Abrams as soon as you suspect your child has a hand or wrist injury. You should take them to an urgent care center or emergency room if the injury resulted from trauma, such as a fall, or if they have severe, sudden pain.

When your child is in stable condition, Dr. Abrams carefully evaluates their condition and discusses the best treatment options available. When surgery is necessary, he uses minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. This leads to a faster and easier recovery for your child. 

For advanced expertise in pediatric care of orthopedic conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm, call Samuel S. Abrams, MD, or book an appointment online today.