Our Services / Pediatric Orthopaedics

Pediatric Orthopaedics services offered in Columbus, GA

Pediatric orthopedics diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal injuries and disorders in children and teens. At St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute in Columbus, Georgia, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Jake Dunn, DO, provides full-service pediatric orthopedics, including fracture care, sports medicine, and minimally invasive surgery. Seek treatment right away If your child experiences chronic pain and/or mobility problems. Call the St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute Office today to make an appointment or book your visit online.

Pediatric Orthopaedics Q & A

What is pediatric orthopedics?

Pediatric orthopedics evaluates and treats musculoskeletal problems in children and teens. People in this age group experience many of the same orthopedic problems as adults. But the side effects vary because their bodies are still growing.

Treatment is essential because musculoskeletal injuries and disorders can interfere with growth and development. Dr. Dunn has more than eight years of experience in pediatric orthopedics. His knowledge and expertise ensure that your child receives the care needed to thrive.

Which problems benefit from pediatric orthopedics?

At St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute, Dr. Dunn uses pediatric orthopedics to treat various musculoskeletal problems, including:

Limb and spine abnormalities (for example, scoliosis and limb length differences)
Gait abnormalities
Broken bones
Rotator cuff tears
Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries
Tendinitis
Bursitis
Bone, joint, and muscle infections

Sometimes, Dr. Dunn collaborates with other pediatric specialists to treat more complex medical conditions, including juvenile arthritis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy.

What happens during a pediatric orthopedics appointment?

Dr. Dunn tailors your child’s pediatric orthopedics appointment to their symptoms and medical history. Each appointment includes:

Medical evaluation

During the medical evaluation, Dr. Dunn gathers information that paints a complete picture of your child’s health and symptoms. He asks various questions about the problems your child is experiencing and your family’s medical history.

Physical exam

Dr. Dunn completes an exam, focusing on your child’s symptoms and injury. For example, if your child has knee pain, Dr. Dunn looks at the affected joint for bruising and swelling. He assesses its range of motion and gently presses on your child’s kneecap and surrounding skin to pinpoint sensitive spots.

Testing

Dr. Dunn orders bloodwork and diagnostic imaging like an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound. Bloodwork helps identify problems like pediatric arthritis, while diagnostic imaging gathers images of your child’s bones, joints, and surrounding tissues.

Treatment

After confirming a diagnosis, Dr. Dunn makes personalized treatment recommendations. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, he’s well-versed in minimally invasive and open procedures.

For instance, if your child has hip dysplasia that affects their mobility, he schedules an operation to realign their hip and thigh bones. Afterward, he oversees a recovery plan with help from a physical therapist and other pediatric experts.

Call St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute today to schedule orthopedic pediatrics for your child, or book your visit online.