Sheldon Simon, MD; Chief

Unlike orthopedic specialties that focus on a distinct area of the body, a pediatric orthopedist must take a more global approach to the very young patient. Because of still-developing musculoskeletal systems, many children's orthopedic problems are different from those of adults, including congenital defects, growth abnormalities, neurological conditions and fractures. Beth Israel pediatric orthopedists see it all, and have special expertise in:

• Club foot. Club foot is a condition seen in infants where the foot is twisted to the side, occurring in approximately 1 of every 1000 births. Club foot is not a painful condition, but if it is not treated, will lead to difficulties in walking and disability in later years. Clubfoot can often be corrected with non-surgical methods, such as bracing and casting, but severe cases of club foot can be corrected with surgery.
• Cerebral palsy. When dealing with a neuromuscular disorder, the division's surgeons work closely with a team of specialists such as neurologists. With appropriate orthopedic intervention for hip, gait and tendon problems, a child's quality of life can be greatly enhanced.
• Growth problems. Fractures, deformities, hormonal imbalances, even childhood obesity-a wide range of issues can affect a child's ability to grow properly. Much of the orthopedic intervention deals with growth plates-the area at the ends of bones-but also with bones, tendons and joints.
• Preventive interventions. When a pediatric orthopedist reconstructs the bone of a child with Blounts Disease (bowing of the legs) he is, at first glance, amending an aesthetic concern. But he is also preventing the onset of early arthritis, a risk of uncorrected Blounts Disease.

The pediatric orthopedist's experience guides the decision of when to intervene and when to let nature take its course, as children's growing bones sometimes remodel themselves.

For a referral to a Beth Israel pediatric orthopedist, call our Physician Referral Service at 1-800-420-4004.