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Arthrography
Arthrography (Joint X-ray, Arthrogram) Procedure Overview What is arthrography? Arthrography is a type of x-ray used to examine a joint, such as the knee or hip, when standard x-rays are not adequate. A series of x-rays is taken with the joint in various positions after contrast dye is placed in the joint. While arthrography is most commonly used to examine the knee and shoulder joints, it may also be used to examine other joints, such as the wrist, ankle, hip, or elbow. Anatomy of the shoulder: Click I...
Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty (Hip Arthroplasty, Joint Arthroplasty, Knee Arthroplasty, Shoulder Arthroplasty, Finger Arthroplasty, Joint Replacement Surgery) Procedure Overview What is arthroplasty? Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to restore the integrity and function of a joint. A joint can be restored by resurfacing the bones. An artificial joint (called a prosthesis) may also be used. Various types of arthritis may affect the joints. Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a loss of the cartilage or c...
Arthroscopy Procedure
Arthroscopy Procedure (Arthroscopic Surgery, Arthroscopic Examination, Joint Endoscopy, Knee Arthroscopy, Shoulder Arthroscopy, Fiberoptic Joint Examination) Procedure Overview What is arthroscopy? Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure used for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting joints. The physician can directly view the internal structures of a joint using an instrument called an arthroscope. Orthopedic surgeons use arthroscopy to diagnose and treat joint problems. An arthrosc...
Bone Biopsy
Bone Biopsy (Biopsy-Bone, Bone Lesion Biopsy) Procedure Overview What is a bone biopsy? A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope. A bone biopsy is a procedure in which bone samples are removed (with a special biopsy needle or during surgery) to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. A bone biopsy involves the outer layers of bone, unlike a bone marrow biopsy, which involves the innermost part of the bone. There are two...
Bone Densitometry
Bone Densitometry (Bone Mineral Density [BMD] Test, Bone Density Test, Bone Mineral Content, Bone Absorptiometry) Procedure Overview What is Bone Densitometry? Bone densitometry is used to measure the bone mineral content and density. This measurement can indicate decreased bone mass, a condition in which bones are more brittle and more prone to break or fracture easily. Bone densitometry is used primarily to diagnose osteoporosis and to determine fracture risk. The testing procedure measures the bone d...
Bone Marrow Biopsy
Bone Marrow Biopsy (Biopsy-Bone Marrow, Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy) Procedure Overview What is a bone marrow biopsy? In the center of most large bones there is a soft tissue (called bone marrow) that makes about 95 percent of the body's blood cells. The marrow is a network of tissue that contains immature blood cells in an organized structure. Red bone marrow is the active portion that produces red blood cells, while yellow bone marrow contains fat cells. In adults the red bone marrow is located ...
Bone Scan
Bone Scan (Bone Scintigraphy) Procedure Overview What is a bone scan? A bone scan is a specialized radiology procedure used to examine the various bones of the skeleton to identify areas of physical and chemical changes in bone. A bone scan may also be used to follow the progress of treatment of certain conditions. A bone scan is a type of nuclear radiology procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the bones. The radi...
Bunion Surgery
Bunion Surgery (Hallux Valgus Repair, Bunionectomy) Procedure Overview What is a bunion? A bunion (hallux valgus) is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or at the base of the little toe (in which case it is called a "bunionette" or "tailor's bunion"). Bunions often occur when the joint is stressed over a prolonged period. They are nine times more common in women than in men, primarily because women may be more likely to wear tight, pointed, and confining shoes....
Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Bones
Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Bones (CT Scan of the Skeleton) Procedure Overview Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard x-rays. In standard x-r...
Hip Replacement Surgery Procedure
Hip Replacement Surgery Procedure (Total Hip Arthroplasty, Hip Arthroplasty, Total Hip Replacement, Hip Replacement) Procedure Overview What is a hip replacement surgery? Hip replacement, also called arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged hip with a prosthesis (an artificial joint). This surgery may be considered following a hip fracture (breaking of the bone) or for someone who has severe arthritis. Various types of arthritis may affect the hip joint. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative ...
Joint Aspiration
Joint Aspiration (Joint Injection and Aspiration, Joint Aspiration and Analysis, Arthrocentesis) Procedure Overview What is joint aspiration? Joint aspiration refers to removing fluid from the space around a joint using a needle and syringe. This is usually performed under a local anesthetic to either relieve swelling or to obtain fluid for analysis to diagnose a joint disorder and/or problem. Joint aspiration is usually performed on the knee. However, fluid can also be removed from other joints, such a...
Knee Ligament Repair
Knee Ligament Repair (ACL Repair, ACL Reconstruction, PCL Repair, PCL Reconstruction, MCL Repair, MCL Reconstruction, LCL Repair, LCL Reconstruction) Procedure Overview What is knee ligament repair? Ligaments are bands of tough, elastic connective tissue that surround a joint to give support and limit the joint's movement. When ligaments are damaged, the knee joint becomes unstable. The ligament damage often occurs from a sports injury. A torn ligament severely limits knee movement, resulting in a perso...
Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure
Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure (Total Knee Arthroplasty, Knee Arthroplasty, Total Knee Replacement, Knee Replacement) Procedure Overview What is a knee replacement surgery? Knee replacement, also called arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap. This surgery may be considered for someone who has severe arthritis or a severe knee injury. Various types of...
Laminectomy
Laminectomy (Lumbar Laminectomy, Cervical Laminectomy, Decompressive Laminectomy, Back Surgery, Disk Surgery) Procedure Overview Click Image to Enlarge What is a laminectomy? Back pain that interferes with normal daily activities may require surgery for treatment. Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a physician removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina) to relieve compression of the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by injury, herniated disk, spinal stenosis (narrowing of t...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Bones, Joints, and Soft Tissues
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Bones, Joints, and Soft Tissues (MRI Scan of the Bones, Joints, and Soft Tissue) Procedure Overview What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. How does an MRI scan work? The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical (tube-shaped) machine that creates a strong magnetic fi...
Muscle Biopsy
Muscle Biopsy (Biopsy-Muscle) Procedure Overview A muscle biopsy is a procedure used to diagnose diseases involving muscle tissue. Tissue and cells from a specific muscle are removed and viewed microscopically. The procedure requires only a small piece of tissue to be removed from the designated muscle. The tissue sample is obtained by inserting a biopsy needle into the muscle. If a larger sample is required, your physician may make an incision in the skin (open biopsy) and remove a larger section of mu...
Myelogram
Myelogram (Myelography) Procedure Overview What is a myelogram? A myelogram, also known as myelography, is a diagnostic imaging procedure performed by a radiologist. It combines the use of a contrast substance with x-rays or computed tomography (CT) to evaluate abnormalities of the spinal canal, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, and other tissues. The contrast "dye" is injected into the spinal column before the procedure. This substance, or dye, causes the tissue under study to be visible. After t...
Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator Cuff Repair (Rotator Cuff Surgery, Shoulder Surgery) Procedure Overview What is rotator cuff repair? The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place. It is one of the most important parts of the shoulder. The rotator cuff allows a person to lift his/her arm and reach up. An injury to the rotator cuff, such as a tear, may happen suddenly when falling on an outstretched hand or develop over time due to repetitive activities. Rotator cuff degeneration and tears may ...
X-rays of the Extremities
X-rays of the Extremities (X-ray of the Arm, Leg, Hand, Wrist, Foot, Ankle, Shoulder, Knee, or Hip) Procedure Overview What are x-rays of the extremities? X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X...
Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow What is tennis elbow? Tennis elbow is a repetitive stress injury of the elbow that occurs when the muscles and tendons in the elbow area are torn or damaged. What causes tennis elbow? Tennis elbow is usually caused by repetitive activities that strain the tendons in the elbow area, such as using a manual screwdriver or hitting backhand in tennis. What are the symptoms of tennis elbow? The following are the most common symptoms of tennis elbow. However, each child may experience symptoms dif...
Bone Cancers in Children
Bone Cancers in Children There are several types of bone cancer in children that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Osteogenic Sarcoma Ewing Sarcoma
Cast Types and Maintenance Instructions
Cast Types and Maintenance Instructions What is a cast? A cast holds a broken bone in place as it heals. Casts also help to prevent or decrease muscle contractions, and are effective at providing immobilization, especially after surgery. Casts immobilize the joint above and the joint below the area that is to be kept straight and without motion. For example, a child with a forearm fracture will have a long arm cast to immobilize the wrist and elbow joints. What are casts made of? The outside, or hard pa...
Clubfoot
Clubfoot What is clubfoot? Clubfoot, also known as talipes equinovarus, is a congenital (present at birth) foot deformity. It affects the bones, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels and can affect one or both feet. The foot is usually short and broad in appearance and the heel points downward while the front half of the foot (forefoot) turns inward. The heel cord (Achilles tendon) is tight. The heel can appear narrow and the muscles in the calf are smaller compared to a normal lower leg. Clubfoot occurs ...
Congenital and Hereditary Orthopedic Disorders
Congenital and Hereditary Orthopedic Disorders There are many congenital and hereditary orthopedic disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare provider. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Metatarsus Adductus Clubfoot Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Congenital Limb Defects Osteogenesis Imperfecta Muscular Dystrophy
Congenital Limb Defects
Congenital Limb Defects What are congenital limb defects? Congenital limb defects occur when a portion or the entire upper or lower limb fails to form normally or does not form when the baby is developing in the uterus. What causes congenital limb defects? The cause of congenital limb defects is unknown. However, risk factors that may increase the likelihood of a congenital limb defect include the following: conditions - genetic abnormalities, growth restriction, mechanical forces - affecting the baby i...
Crutch Walking
Crutch Walking If ordered by the physician, your child will be fitted for crutches and be taught how to use them by a trained healthcare professional. Measurement of crutches: The top of the crutches should be at least two finger widths deep from the armpit (make sure the shoulders are relaxed). When the arm is hanging straight down, the hand piece should be at the level of the wrist. Hold the top part of the crutch firmly between the chest and the inside of the upper arm. Do not allow the top of the cr...
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) What is developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)? Developmental dysplasia of the hip is a congenital (present at birth) condition of the hip joint. It occurs once in every 1,000 live births. The hip joint is created as a ball and socket joint. In DDH, the hip socket may be shallow, letting the "ball" of the long leg bone, also known as the femoral head, slip in and out of the socket. The "ball" may move partially or completely out of the hip socket. Click Image t...
Dislocations
Dislocations What is a dislocation? A dislocation occurs when extreme force is put on a ligament, allowing the ends of two connected bones to separate. Ligaments are flexible bands of fibrous tissue that connect various bones and cartilage. Ligaments also bind the bones in a joint together. Stress on joint ligaments can lead to dislocation of the joint. The hip and shoulder joints, for example, are called "ball and socket" joints. Extreme force on the ligaments in these joints can cause the head of the ...
Evaluation Procedures for Children
Evaluation Procedures for Children What are standard evaluation procedures? Before a treatment or rehabilitation protocol can be established, your child's physician must first determine the reason for, and source of, your child's condition. This typically involves a comprehensive physical examination and a detailed medical history. During this initial gathering of information, be sure to notify your child's physician of any other illnesses, injuries, or complaints that have been associated with the pain...
Ewing Sarcoma
Ewing Sarcoma What is Ewing sarcoma? Ewing sarcoma is a cancer that occurs primarily in the bone or soft tissue. Ewing sarcoma can occur in any bone, but it most often it is found in the long bones such as the femur (thigh), tibia (shin), or humerus (upper arm). It can involve the muscle and the soft tissues around the tumor site as well. Ewing sarcoma cells can also spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body including the bone marrow, lungs, kidneys, heart, adrenal gland, and other soft tissues. E...
Femoral Anteversion
Femoral Anteversion What is femoral anteversion? Femoral anteversion is an inward twisting of the thigh bone, also known as the femur (the bone that is located between the hip and the knee). Femoral anteversion causes the child's knees and feet to turn inward, or have what is also known as a "pigeon-toed" appearance. It is typically detected when the child is four to six years old. What causes femoral anteversion? Femoral anteversion can be the result of stiff hip muscles due to the position of the baby...
Fractures in Children
Fractures in Children What is a fracture? A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture occurs, it is classified as either open or closed: open fracture (Also called compound fracture.) - the bone exits and is visible through the skin, or a deep wound that exposes the bone through the skin. closed fracture (Also called simple fracture.) - the bone is broken, but the skin is intact. Fractures have a variety of names. Below is a listing of the common types that may occur in childr...
Glossary - Orthopedics
Glossary - Orthopedics | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [back to top] arthralgia - pain in the joint. arthritis - inflammation of the joint. arthrogram - x-ray of a joint. arthroscopy - the use of an intra-articular camera inserted into the joint through a small incision to show the inside of a joint; the procedure allows the physician to also assess, repair, or reconstruct variou...
Growth-Related Disorders
Growth-Related Disorders There are many growth-related disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Nursemaid's Elbow Tibial Torsion Femoral Anteversion Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Osgood-Schlatter Disease Scoliosis Kyphosis Lordosis
Home Page - Orthopedics
Topic Index The Pediatric Orthopaedics Team Evaluation Procedures Congenital and Hereditary Disorders Growth-Related Disorders Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders Bone Cancer Fractures Crutch Walking Cast Types and Maintenance Instructions Sports Injuries Glossary Orthopedics is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, care, and treatment of diseases, disorders, injuries, and other conditions of the musculoskeletal system in patients. The musculoskeletal system consists of the body's bones...
Inflammatory and Infectious Musculoskeletal Disorders
Inflammatory and Infectious Musculoskeletal Disorders There are many inflammatory and infectious disorders that affect the body's musculoskeletal system that require clinical care by a physician oar other healthcare professional. Listed below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Osteomyelitis Septic (Infectious) Arthritis Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease What is Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease? Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (or Perthes disease) is a temporary condition in children in which the ball-shaped head of the thigh bone, referred to as the femoral head, loses its blood supply. As a result, the femoral head collapses. The body will absorb the dead bone cells and replace them with new bone cells. The new bone cells will eventually reshape the femoral head of the thigh bone. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease causes the hip joint to beco...
Lordosis
Lordosis What is lordosis? A normal spine, when viewed from behind appears straight. However, a spine affected by lordosis shows evidence of a curvature of the back bones (vertebrae) in the lower back area, giving the child a "swayback" appearance. Click Image to Enlarge What causes lordosis? The cause of lordosis has been linked to achondroplasia and spondylolisthesis. However, lordosis may be associated with poor posture, a congenital (present at birth) problem with the vertebrae, neuromuscular proble...
Metatarsus Adductus
Metatarsus Adductus What is metatarsus adductus? Metatarsus adductus, also known as metatarsus varus, is a common foot deformity noted at birth that causes the front half of the foot, or forefoot, to turn inward. Metatarsus adductus may also be referred to as "flexible" (the foot can be straightened to a degree by hand) or "non-flexible" (the foot cannot be straightened by hand). What causes metatarsus adductus? The cause of metatarsus adductus is not known. It occurs in approximately one out of 1,000 t...
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy What is muscular dystrophy? Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a broad term that describes a genetic (inherited) disorder of the muscles. Muscular dystrophy causes the muscles in the body to become very weak. The muscles break down and are replaced with fatty deposits over time. Other health problems commonly associated with muscular dystrophy include the following: heart problems scoliosis - a lateral, or sideways, curvature and rotation of the back bones (vertebrae), giving the appearance t...
Nursemaid's Elbow
Nursemaid's Elbow What is nursemaid's elbow? Nursemaid's elbow occurs when the radius (one of the bones in the forearm) slips out of place from where it normally attaches to the elbow joint. It is a common condition in children younger than 4 years of age. It is also called pulled elbow, slipped elbow, or toddler elbow. The medical term for nursemaid's elbow is radial head subluxation. What causes nursemaid's elbow? A sudden pulling or traction on the hand or forearm causes nursemaid's elbow. This cause...
Online Resources - Orthopedics
Online Resources - Orthopedics This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contains links ...
Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children
Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children What is osteogenesis imperfecta? Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle-bone disease, is a genetic (inherited) disorder characterized by bones that break easily without a specific cause. An estimated 20,000 to 50,000 people in the US have this disease. OI can affect males and females of all races. What causes osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)? The cause of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is believed to be due to a genetic defect that causes imperfectly-formed or ...
Osteomyelitis in Children
Osteomyelitis in Children What is osteomyelitis? Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone. Infection is more common in the long bones of the body, but it can affect any bone in the body. Osteomyelitis can occur in children of any age, but is more common in premature infants and babies born with complications. What causes osteomyelitis? Many different types of bacteria and viruses can cause osteomyelitis. The most common type of bacteria is called Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria can enter the body i...
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma What is osteosarcoma? Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer among children, adolescents, and young adults. The disease usually occurs in the long bones, such as the arms (humerus), legs (femur/tibia), and pelvis. It rarely occurs in the jaw and fingers. It most often occurs at the ends of bones near growth plates, especially around the knees. Osteosarcoma cancer cells can also spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body. Most commonly, these cells spread to the lungs. Howe...
Osteosarcoma in Children
Osteosarcoma in Children What is osteosarcoma? Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer among children, adolescents, and young adults. The disease usually occurs in the long bones, such as the arms (humerus), legs (femur/tibia), and pelvis. It rarely occurs in the jaw and fingers. It most often occurs at the ends of bones near growth plates, especially around the knees. Osteosarcoma cancer cells can also spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body. Most commonly, these cells spread to the...
Overuse Injuries
Overuse Injuries An increasing number of boys and girls are playing recreational and organized sports. As a result, there is a rise in the number of overuse injuries seen among children and adolescents. The majority of sports and overuse injuries are due to minor trauma involving soft tissue injuries - injuries that affect the bone, muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons. What are the most common types of overuse injuries? Type of Overuse Injury Symptoms Possible Cause Jumper's Knee (Patellar Tendonitis) te...
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis What is slipped capital femoral epiphysis? Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a condition of the hip joint that affects children. In SCFE, the head, or "ball," of the thigh bone (referred to as the femoral head) slips off the neck of the thigh bone. An analogy commonly used to describe this condition is that it can be like a scoop of ice cream slipping off the top of a cone. This condition causes the hip joint to become painful and stiff. Click Image to Enlarge...
Sports Injuries and Children
Sports Injuries and Children In the United States, about 30 million children and teens participate in some form of organized sport. According to the National SAFE KIDS campaign, more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and under receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year. The majority of these injuries are from falls, collisions, overexertion or being struck by an object, and they usually occur during unorganized or informal sports activities. Death among children during participation in spor...
Sports Injury Prevention
Sports Injury Prevention Can sports injuries be prevented? It has been estimated that at least one-half of sports injuries could have been prevented by the use of management tools that consider factors such as the environment of a particular sport and protection of the individual. Environmental factors to be considered when planning sports activities include the following: the temperature of the environment (a cooler environment is best, when possible) the playing surface (the more shock-absorbent the s...
Sports Injury Statistics
Sports Injury Statistics How frequently do sports injuries occur? In the United States, about 30 million children and teens participate in some form of organized sports, and more than 3.5 million injuries each year, which cause some loss of time of participation, are experienced by the participants. Almost one-third of all injuries incurred in childhood are sports-related injuries. By far, the most common injuries are sprains and strains. Obviously, some sports are more dangerous than others. For exampl...
The Pediatrics Orthopedic Team
The Pediatrics Orthopedic Team Who treats pediatric orthopedic conditions? Orthopedic conditions may be treated by your child's physician and/or other medical specialists and healthcare providers. Several physicians from different medical specialties may be involved in the treatment of one child at the same time. This multidisciplinary team approach is particularly important in managing the symptoms of an orthopedic condition, especially as many symptoms are chronic and change in severity over time. Som...
Tibial Torsion
Tibial Torsion What is tibial torsion? Tibial torsion is an inward twisting of the shin bones (the bones that are located between the knee and the ankle). Tibial torsion causes the child's feet to turn inward, or have what is also known as a "pigeon-toed" appearance. It is typically seen among toddlers. What causes tibial torsion? Tibial torsion can occur due to the position of the baby in the uterus. It also has a tendency to run in families. Typically, a child's walking style looks like that of his/he...
Topic Index - Orthopedics
Topic Index - Orthopedics Orthopedics Home The Pediatric Orthopedics Team Evaluation Procedures Congenital and Hereditary Disorders Metatarsus Adductus Clubfoot Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Congenital Limb Defects Osteogenesis Imperfecta Muscular Dystrophy Growth-Related Disorders Nursemaid's Elbow Tibial Torsion Femoral Anteversion Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Osgood-Schlatter Disease Scoliosis Kyphosis Lordosis Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders Osteomyelitis S...
Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida What is spina bifida? Spina bifida, also called myelodysplasia, is a condition in which there is abnormal development of the back bones, spinal cord, surrounding nerves, and the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord. This neurological condition can cause a portion of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures to develop outside, instead of inside, the body. The defect can occur anywhere along the spine. What are the types of spina bifida? The types of spina bifida include the ...
Juvenile Osteoporosis
Juvenile Osteoporosis What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a progressive condition in which bone density is lost, or there is insufficient bone formation, thereby weakening the bones and making them more susceptible to fractures. Although much more common in older adults, especially women in menopause and after, osteoporosis can also occur during childhood. The average age of onset is between 8 and 14 years, but it can occur in younger children during growth spurts. Most often, osteoporosis during chil...
Hip Fracture
Hip Fracture What is a hip fracture? Click Image to Enlarge A hip fracture is a break in the femur (thigh bone) of the hip joint. Joints are areas where two or more bones meet. The hip joint is a "ball and socket" joint where the femur meets the pelvic bone. The ball part of the hip joint is the head of the femur, and the socket is a cup-like structure in the pelvic bone called the acetabulum. Hip fracture is a serious injury and requires immediate medical attention. What are the different types of hip ...
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter Disease What is Osgood-Schlatter disease? Osgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse condition or injury of the knee that causes pain and swelling below the knee area over the shin bone. What causes Osgood-Schlatter disease? Osgood-Schlatter disease is characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon and surrounding soft tissues. It is caused by the constant pulling of the patellar tendon on the area below the knee where the tendon attaches. Click Image to Enlarge Who is affected by Osg...
Sports Injuries Statistics
Sports Injuries Statistics How frequently do sports injuries occur? In the United States, about 30 million children and teens participate in some form of organized sports, and more than 3.5 million injuries each year, which cause some loss of time of participation, are experienced by the participants. Almost one-third of all injuries incurred in childhood are sports-related injuries. By far, the most common injuries are sprains and strains. Obviously, some sports are more dangerous than others. For exam...
Sports Safety for Teens
Sports Safety for Teens Participating in sports is great for teens both physically and psychologically. Sports can increase an adolescent's physical coordination, fitness, and self-esteem. In addition, sports can teach teens about teamwork and self-discipline. However, because an adolescent's body is still growing and his/her coordination is still developing, adolescents are more susceptible to sports injuries. Approximately 3.5 million adolescents ages 14 and under are treated for sports-related injuri...