Pediatric Orthopaedics Paul J. Urbanek, M.D.

Pediatric orthopaedics is a subspecialty focusing on children from infancy to 18 years of age. It involves the diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic problems intrinsic to the developing body. Many of the orthopaedic problems of children are unique to their age group and treatment will often affect the adult lives of young patients.

As the young body grows, problems related to particular stages of development may arise. Developmental dysplasia of the hip, for instance, is a condition specific to infancy. Immediate treatment can result in a normal hip. Lack of treatment or complications may result in severe lifelong disability.

Other areas of specialty in pediatric orthopaedics include congenital deformities such as club feet and extra digits, fractures which affect bone growth, scoliosis which may result in severe back deformity, and neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.

To learn more, we encourage you to search our patient education section for areas of interest to help you understand your orthopaedic injuries, conditions, and treatment options click here.