Pediatric orthopedic care at Studer Family Children’s Hospital
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons at Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart in Northwest Florida have the expertise to deliver advanced orthopedic care for children. Here, your child will have a team highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic injuries, congenital conditions and diseases. We provide a full range of orthopedic care – from nonsurgical treatments to minimally invasive and advanced surgical care.
If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911. For children with bone fractures who need emergency care, Studer Family Children’s Hospital ER is open 24/7. Your child’s ER care team can quickly evaluate your child’s injury and take X-rays and other imaging, if needed. Then, your child’s care team connects your child and family with the right follow-up care and specialists, including pediatric orthopedic surgeons.
Advanced orthopedic care for children and teens
At Studer Family Children’s Hospital, we start by listening to you and your child. Your child’s doctor may recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). All imaging is done on-site at Studer Family Children’s Hospital. By getting a clear picture of your child’s injury or condition, we create a care plan that’s right for your child.
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons specialize in:
- Bone tumors and diseases
- Congenital malformations
- Dislocated hip and hip dysplasia
- Foot and ankle conditions, including club foot
- Simple and complex bone fractures
- Genetic-related orthopedic conditions
- Hand, arm and shoulder conditions
- Leg length discrepancy and leg malformations
- Musculoskeletal tumors
- Spine and scoliosis
- Spina bifida
- Sports injuries
- Trauma injuries
Some congenital conditions are diagnosed before birth. If an orthopedic condition has been detected in your baby during pregnancy, pediatric orthopedic specialists may become part of your care team. We work with your maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Ascension Sacred Heart to help make a diagnosis and prepare you for the care your baby may need after birth. Together, we discuss your child’s diagnosis and create a care plan.
Pediatric orthopedic surgery
Surgery may be recommended as part of your child’s care plan. Whenever possible, pediatric surgeons use minimally invasive procedures. Minimally invasive surgical techniques use small incisions and typically lead to a shorter recovery. Some conditions require a more complex surgery. Our pediatric orthopedic surgeons review your child's symptoms along with reviewing diagnostic evaluations to create a surgical plan that's individualized for your child. We have the expertise to perform even the most complex surgeries, including care for fractures, scoliosis, bone tumors, hip dysplasia, congenital malformations and more.
Your child’s care team takes the time to explain the procedure to you and your child. Tell us your concerns and ask us your questions — big and small. We explain what to expect before surgery and how to care for your child after surgery. And your child’s care team connects you with follow-up care for recovery and specialists in pediatric rehabilitation, pediatric physical therapy and more.
Advanced care for scoliosis and spinal disorders
If your child has a spine condition, our team has the expertise to deliver advanced diagnosis and treatment for even the most complex spine conditions. Advanced imaging may be used to diagnose your child’s condition. Then, our team works together to create a personalized care plan for your child. Your child’s multispecialty care team may include pediatric orthopedic surgeons, pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists, child life specialists, pediatric physical therapists and more. Your child’s care plan may include a combination of nonsurgical and surgical treatments.
Caring for the whole child
Certified child life specialists are part of our care team. These specialists are experienced in helping children manage fears, stress and other challenges while they are receiving care in the hospital. Child life specialists can help explain procedures to your child in a way they understand. And our specialists provide relaxation techniques and positive distraction methods.