Pediatric Orthopedic Care in Orlando and Tampa

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are among the most common sports-related injuries. But, treating an ACL in kids is very different than treating the injury in adults. That’s because young athletes are still growing, and their growth plates are located right next to the ACL.

ACL surgery in kids calls for specially designed techniques that won’t damage these important growth plates. Doing so could cause limb length discrepancies, angular deformities and difficulty returning to sports.

Our orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to treat ACL injuries and closely monitor recovery. In fact, AdventHealth for Children has the only team in the region providing quad tendon-bone ACL reconstructions in growing athletes, as well as patient-specific ACL reconstructive surgeries.

Active kids will sometimes fracture things — including bones. But when a child who is still growing suffers a fractured arm, leg, foot, hand or other bone, specialized care should be provided by a pediatric orthopedist to ensure that the bone continues to develop properly as it heals.

The good news is that kids’ bones tend to heal much faster than adults’ bones do. If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, or you just have concerns about an injury, please bring them to the nearest pediatric urgent care or emergency department. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Bone and growth plate fracture symptoms can include:

• Chronic or severe pain
• Inability to move or put pressure on the injury
• Noticeable physical deformity at bone

Cerebral palsy and spina bifida are common congenital conditions that cause difficulty moving and getting around. The pediatric orthopedic team at AdventHealth has proven experience offering support, therapy and hope to children and families.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) interferes with a child’s ability to control their movements (motor control) as a result of damage or abnormal development in certain parts of the brain. More than half of all cerebral palsy cases are identified as spastic palsy, which is characterized by very stiff muscles that cause movement to be uncoordinated. Other cerebral palsy types include dyskinetic, ataxic and mixed palsy.

While there is presently no cure for cerebral palsy, treatments are available to help manage the disorder and prevent or correct some of the defects it causes. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach and may include mobility aids, braces and anti-spasticity or anti-seizure medications. Surgery may be recommended to address ankle, foot, spine and hip deformities.

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a neural tube birth defect that causes abnormal development of the spine, spinal cord, the surrounding nerves and the fluid-filled sac surrounding the spinal cord. It is one of the most common birth defects in the U.S. and occurs when the spinal cord does not fully close during a baby’s development in the womb. The condition can range from mild to severe, with more severe effects including paralysis and bowel problems.

Treatments can help reduce the symptoms and complications of this condition, with new research and clinical trials forging progress each day in experimental fetal surgery and prevention methods.

Knee and shoulder dislocations are the most common joint dislocations among children.

Knee Dislocations

The kneecap (patella) can sometimes slide out of place, resulting in a complete or partial dislocation. Knee dislocations can be caused by a direct, hard blow or an abnormality in the knee that makes it unstable.

Symptoms of knee dislocations can include:

• Pain
• Swelling (inflammation)
• Difficulty moving the knee
• Noticeable change in the appearance of the knee
• Popping sound with movement
• Feeling that the kneecap is sliding out of place
• Feeling that the knee is giving way

Treatment options for knee dislocations may include:

• Manually repositioning the knee
• Bracing
• Physical therapy

Shoulder Dislocations

Shoulder dislocation happens quite often in children, especially when children fall and try to catch themselves by sticking their arms straight out. A direct blow to the shoulder or instability of the rotator cuff can also cause dislocation.

Treatment for a shoulder dislocation will typically include:

• Positioning the shoulder joint back in place
• Sling to stabilize the joint
• Physical therapy
• Surgery (occasionally)

If you suspect your child has dislocated their knee or shoulder, please visit the nearest pediatric urgent care or emergency department.

Our pediatric rehabilitation program is staffed by caring professionals who are specially trained in a wide range of disciplines, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and audiology.

The program is characterized by a family-centric style of treatment, which focuses on your child's unique needs. We work with you and the rest of your family to develop the ongoing skills and strategies needed to ensure successful healing.

Today, there are many innovative and minimally invasive ways to treat scoliosis. We always start with non-surgical treatments, such as braces and physical therapy. But when surgery is required to correct a spine curvature, we offer the latest techniques in spinal surgery.

The Walt Disney Pavilion at AdventHealth for Children in Orlando is the only children’s hospital in the Eastern United States performing radiation-free pediatric spinal surgery using the 7D Surgical Navigation System. This state-of-the-art technology allows for pinpoint accuracy in placing surgical instrumentation and a minimally invasive approach that avoids large incisions, major scarring and unnecessary damage to healthy tissue layers. It also lessens the possibility of infections and reduces blood loss during surgery — all without radiation.

Our orthopedic experts are here to get your child off the sidelines and back into the game. We offer a wide range of services, from physical therapy, rehabilitative medicine, non-invasive treatment and, when needed, surgery.

We also specialize in diagnosing, treating and managing concussions. The AdventHealth Sports Concussion Program is dedicated to treating and preventing concussions in children and adults. Our sports concussion experts are recognized nationally and internationally for their work in this quickly evolving field.

Our teams use state-of-the-art technology, including the ImPACT computerized neurocognitive testing software, a 20-minute test that has become a standard tool in the clinical management of athletic concussions. Our program partners with nearly 20 Central Florida high schools to provide student-athletes with access to advanced concussion diagnostic and management protocols.