ABSTRACT
The Orthofix philosophy of pediatric solutions
From sports injuries to managing congenital anomalies, there are many reasons a child or adolescent may need a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. These specialized professionals have deep knowledge in treating musculoskeletal problems, but also in the unique needs of their still-growing patients.
Orthofix created a support system for pediatric orthopedic surgeons — the Orthofix philosophy of pediatric solutions — so that they can provide the best care to their patients. This article explores the intrinsic challenges of treating children and adolescents, as well as how Orthofix can help surgeons dealing with these challenges.
Why is treating children different from treating adults?
Having completed an orthopedic surgery residency program followed by additional subspecialty training in pediatric orthopedics, pediatric orthopedic surgeons are well aware that the pediatric population has singular requirements. Their growing bodies respond differently to treatments, and they cannot be treated in the same way an adult would, even for the same condition.
As an expert, the pediatric orthopedic surgeon knows that, when it comes to children, some (apparent) problems may resolve with time, while others should be swiftly managed. Additionally, they know how an injury today will affect the child’s growth and if it will impair the quality of life when he or she finishes growing. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons provide specialty care for children, knowing what to look for, how to prevent future problems, and how to intervene with the most appropriate approach for the best outcome.
More than solutions, a philosophy
Under the brand JuniOrtho, Orthofix offers products for limb lengthening and/or reconstruction, whether the underlying cause is trauma or deformity, including plates, nails, and screws, as well as internal and circular or monolateral external devices.
But what makes Orthofix’s approach to pediatric orthopedic solutions a philosophy?
The way we go beyond providing the best hardware solutions, looking at the specific treatment needs of children and adolescents. This means we consider all those involved in the healing process (pediatricians, radiologists, therapists, nurses and clinical staff) as essential partners. In addition, we provide resources to educate all people living in the child’s world — family, school, sports teams — to contribute to their bone health. The goal of this approach is to protect young patients’ psychological and physical well-being, while giving them the best orthopedic treatment.
The Orthofix philosophy embraces this integrated vision, helping pediatric orthopedic surgeons, their team, and family members to manage pediatric injuries and conditions in the most innovative and less invasive way, from complex fractures to congenital or acquired bone deformities. This approach is the result of a long, evidence-based clinical and surgical experience, with a goal of standardizing the most innovative, simplest method for reproducible results.
Conclusion
When it comes to treating children and adolescents, there is more to consider than the management of the underlying condition. To promote a holistic support of these unique patients, other aspects — such as family support — should be considered.
Orthofix provides a wide variety of solutions to manage different problems, from limb reconstruction to deformity correction, but also offers a broad range of resources and digital services aimed at surgeons, young patients, and family members. If you would like to know more about Orthofix’s commitment to pediatric patients, please visit the JuniOrtho webpage.
References
- Payares-Lizano M et al, Pediatr Clin North Am; 67(1):1-21
- Shapiro F 2016. Pediatric Orhopedic Deformities, Vol.1. Springer Int. Pub. Switzerland