For injuries and other bone or joint problems children have, our pediatric orthopaedic surgeons are here for your family.
We treat even the youngest kids for musculoskeletal issues — those conditions related to bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. This includes injuries, illnesses that affect bones and joints, and issues babies are born with.
Our experts see thousands of kids every year. We have outpatient care, because not all orthopaedic problems need surgery, and inpatient care at our hospitals, including UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Bringing your child to a place that specializes in pediatric orthopaedics matters. We understand that children aren’t just small adults. Bone and muscle problems can affect their growth — and their well-being.
Our team provides the most complete and seamless care possible to help your child feel better. We work hand-in-hand with your pediatrician so your child can get back to living their life.
Conditions We Treat
Our children's orthopaedic experts at UPMC treat a full range of conditions, including:
- Broken bones, from a small crack to a separated bone that causes it to move out of place. We also treat complications of broken bones that don't heal correctly.
- Hip dysplasia, a disorder that occurs when a child's joint doesn't form correctly. The "ball" at the top of the thigh bone and "socket" inside the pelvic bone don't fit as they should.
- Leg and foot conditions that affect the leg or foot alignment. Common conditions include clubfoot, in-toeing, and bowed legs.
- Limb length discrepancies, when one leg or arm is shorter than the other.
- Neuromuscular diseases, a group of conditions that affect the connection between the muscles and the nerves, such as muscular dystrophy.
- Osgood-Schlatter disease, swelling of the growth plate at the top of the shin which mainly occurs during growth spurts and causes a painful bump below the knee. Kids who play sports are most at risk for this overuse injury.
- Sprains and strains. Sprains occur when you stretch a ligament attached to a joint. Strains happen when you stretch a muscle too far or put too much pressure on it.
- Spine problems, such as scoliosis and kyphosis.
- Tumors. In children, tumors in bones are usually noncancerous and seldom become cancerous.
Complete Pediatric Orthopaedic Care
We offer a range of services, from treating athletic injuries to caring for chronic conditions:
- Adolescent and Young Adult Hip Preservation Program. The AYA Hip Preservation Program at UPMC Children's in Pittsburgh treats young people with hip dysplasia, hip impingement, and hip labral tears. We see teens and adults up to age 35.
- Physical therapy. Children may need rehab for many reasons, such as for neuromuscular problems or after an orthopaedic injury.
- Urgent orthopaedic care. In the Pittsburgh area, we offer urgent orthopaedic care for minor bone, joint, and muscle injuries from 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. We can transfer your child to UPMC Children's Emergency Department without delay if needed.
Why Choose UPMC for Children’s Orthopaedic Care?
When you bring your child to UPMC for orthopaedic care, you’re getting:
- Nationally ranked pediatric care. Regionally, nationally, and globally, UPMC Children’s leads the way in treating childhood conditions and diseases.
- Personalized care. We help you manage all aspects of your child’s treatment. We're here for you from the point of injury through their return to play or activities of daily life.
- Access to services and experts. Some orthopaedic conditions affect other areas of the body. If you need other specialized care, we can connect you to a wide range of pediatric experts.
