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Kids are made to dream big – they thrive on slam-dunks, wheelies, back-flips and belly-flops into their next adventure.

At Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH), we know kids will be kids and being a parent is the toughest job there is. That’s why when your child has an orthopedic need, you can trust our experts to provide the highest-quality pediatric and specialized care, right here at home.

We’re proud to be home to the region’s first pediatric orthopedic program, where Dr. Ryan Price, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, provides expertise in diagnosing and treating growing heads, shoulders, knees and toes.

In collaboration with our pediatric physical and occupational therapists, we offer a compassionate and caring environment, a wide range of the surgical and clinical services, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs tailored to support children and families, so kids can get back to being kids.

What is Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery?

Pediatric orthopedic surgery is an orthopedic subspecialty, focused on repairing musculoskeletal (bone, joint, back or muscle) problems in children. Dr. Price is specially-trained to care for kids’ orthopedic disorders with mindfulness to their growing bones, joints and growth plates. The biggest difference between orthopedic and pediatric orthopedic surgery is protecting the growth plates and ensuring safe growth in the future.

What Conditions Do We Treat?

We treat a variety of pediatric orthopedic conditions, including pediatric trauma as well as:

  • Scoliosis
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Bone Fractures
  • Limb and Spine Deformities
  • Club Foot
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • ACL/Sports Injuries
  • Gait Abnormalities
  • Bone or Joint Infections

When Should You Bring Your Child in for Care?

Observation is crucial in determining an orthopedic abnormality in your child. Because children are still growing, their bodies’ response to injuries, infection and deformities may be quite different than an orthopedic problem you may have experienced as an adult. Keep an out eye for the following:

  • Limb Length Differences
  • Limping
  • Shin Pain
  • Hip or Shoulder Alignment Differences
  • Spine Curvature (Especially during the summer months when kids are more likely to be swimming and playing outdoors in bathing suits)

If you see any of these signs, you should bring your child in for a pediatric orthopedic diagnostic exam with Dr. Price.

Prevention is Key

Most pediatric sports injuries are caused by overuse, followed by trauma, due to the wear and tear from repetitive motions.

For example, in baseball when your child throws the ball again and again, it can cause ligament, muscle and growth plate damage on his or her shoulder.

Multi-sports cross training is key to preventing pediatric orthopedic injuries. Playing year-round sports is important, but switching it up with different sports – alternating at least four months in between the same sport – can help your child get the rest their body needs from the strenuous repetitive movements and ensure a healthy, whole body workout throughout each season.

To learn more about Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s new pediatric orthopedic program, call 431-5775 or visit our website.

Content Apps ID
240609
External ID
364
Integration Source
COD10
Integration Source URL
https://www.tmh.org/healthy-living/blogs/healthy-living/the-regions-first-pediatric-orthopedic-program

Tallahassee Memorial

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare is a private, not-for-profit community healthcare system committed to transforming care, advancing health, and improving lives with an ultimate vision of leading the community to be the healthiest in the nation.