Kids' Bones Are Different: The Importance of Pediatric Orthopedic Care

Pediatric orthopedic specialists are doctors or advanced practitioners (PA-Cs or APRNs) who are trained to treat musculoskeletal (bone, joint, muscle, or back) issues in children. Because kids are still growing, their bones are softer and more flexible than adults’—and that makes both injuries and treatments different.

Unlike general (adult) orthopedists, pediatric orthopedic surgeons undergo additional training to understand how a growing body heals and develops. Their entire practice—including clinic setup and support staff—is built to care specifically for children and families.

What is the role of open growth plates for kids?

Children grow from specialized areas of cartilage at the end of each bone called growth plates. These structures are crucial for bone development and need to be treated with care. Here are a few important facts:

• The growth plate stays open typically until age 14 in girls or age 16 in boys, but this can vary.
• These growth plates can be vulnerable to injury, which can affect the way the bone grows.
• Growth plate injuries can result in deformity or limb shortening in a small percentage of patients, and these might require specialized surgeries to address.
• Pediatric orthopedic surgeons are specifically trained to take care of growth plate injuries and problems resulting from them.

Growth plates are just one of many reasons why seeing a pediatric-trained orthopedic specialist is so important for children. These experts know how to treat growing bones in ways that support long-term health and mobility.

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if your child’s pain or walking habits need more attention. Here are key signs that it might be time to consult a pediatric orthopedic specialist:

1. Persistent joint or bone pain
   If your child complains about pain in their legs, arms, back, or other areas that doesn’t go away, it’s worth checking with a specialist. While growing pains are common, ongoing pain may point to something more serious.
    
2. Injuries that don’t seem to be improving
   Children are active, and bumps and bruises are part of growing up. But if an injury still hurts after several days, is swollen, or limits movement, it may be more than a minor sprain. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons are experts at identifying and treating fractures, ligament injuries, and more.
    
3. Noticeable bone or joint problems you can see
   If you notice your child’s arms, legs, or joints look uneven, swollen, or oddly shaped, schedule an evaluation. Common examples include:
   
   -Bowlegs that persist past age 2
   -Knock-knees that continue beyond ages 7–8
   -Swollen joints that may indicate inflammation
   -Bumps—soft ones may be harmless cysts, while firmer ones near joints could be bone tumors like osteochondromas
    
4. Limping, trouble walking, or pain right near a joint
   
   If your child starts limping, walks unevenly, or complains about pain while walking, ask your pediatrician for a referral to the right specialist.  Problems like hip conditions, leg length differences, or injuries can cause limping and need to be treated early. But sometimes, joint pain needs to be treated by a pediatric rheumatologist for a different condition such as arthritis
    
5. Uneven shoulders, hips or a curve to the back
   These signs may point to scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves sideways. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons can evaluate your child and recommend next steps—from monitoring to bracing or surgery.
    

Yes, children can be born with orthopedic issues like clubfoot, hip dysplasia, or limb differences. These conditions are often treatable—and sometimes fully correctable—with care from a pediatric orthopedic specialist.

Other complex conditions, such as skeletal dysplasia, muscular dystrophies, or bone metabolism disorders (like osteogenesis imperfecta), require ongoing care by a multidisciplinary team led by pediatric orthopedic experts. Having a specialist who understands treatment options—and the latest research—can be invaluable.

Why seeing a pediatric orthopedic specialist early is key 

Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference—especially for sports-related injuries. Today’s kids are more active than ever, and pediatric orthopedic surgeons are trained to treat injuries like ACL tears, shoulder dislocations, and meniscus damage. They also partner with pediatric sports medicine and sports physical therapy experts to guide rehabilitation and safe return-to-play plans.

Pediatric orthopedic care goes beyond fixing bones—it’s about ensuring long-term strength, health, and mobility.  

Children are not just small adults—they have unique orthopedic needs that change as they grow. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above or have questions about your child’s bone or joint health, consider reaching out to a pediatric orthopedic specialist. At Connecticut Children’s, our team is here to provide expert, compassionate care for kids at every stage of growth.