Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery - Current Research Priorities

The treatment of skeletal disorders is one of the many specialties within the field of Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery. This kind of orthopedics is also called geriatric physical therapy, and is a specialty of orthopedics. Geriatrics involves the study and treatment of disorders and diseases affecting people as they grow into maturity. This is a very important field to be involved in, because it affects a person's quality of life for the rest of their lives.

The main goal of a physician in this specialty is to diagnose, treat and prevent conditions that involve the musculoskeletal system. This includes disorders such as herniated discs, fractured bones, herniated spinal bones, fractures, hip disorders, knee problems and spinal nerve problems. The orthopaedic surgeon will perform diagnostic tests on the patient to identify the condition to be treated, and then he or she will recommend a course of treatment. The treatment options can include surgery, immobilization, physical therapy, speech therapy, biofeedback, vitamin supplementation and laser therapy. A hospital stay is usually required to provide complete care for patients who have undergone orthopaedic surgery.

Geriatric physical therapy involves treating patients who have abnormalities relating to the musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular and endocrine systems of the human body. Geriatric orthopaedics deals with treating pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and neurological disorders. Common orthopaedic surgery disorders are those related to spinal deformities, limb deformities, congenital heart disease and spinal injury.

Cardiac abnormalities and juvenile congenital heart disease are some of the pathologies dealt with by paediatric orthopaedic surgery. Paralysis and abnormal growth are other common problems. Orthopaedic surgeons also deal with problems of the musculoskeletal system, specifically regarding fractures and sprains. Other conditions treated by orthopaedic specialists include muscular pains, nerve injuries, hand and wrist pain and irritable bowel syndrome. Patients who have undergone this treatment usually leave the hospital with a physiotherapist to assist them after discharge.

Pediatric specialists have to coordinate with the relevant hospital's medical staff and medical care providers in providing appropriate treatment services for the patients. The aims of postoperative care include improving function of the body to prevent complications and infections that may occur during the period of recovery. One of the main tasks of hospital care professionals is rehabilitation, which includes educating and informing the patients and their family members about the risks and complications of the treatment. During the postoperative period, hospital staffs have to coordinate with orthopaedic specialists and physiotherapists to provide the necessary post-operative care and treatment. In addition, hospital staffs need to ensure that the patient follows recommended dietary and exercise guidelines to promote normal growth and development.

The process of prehabitation starts long before a patient is admitted to hospital. The preparation includes creating an individualized post operative programme. Based on the severity of the patient's condition, the programme is created and provided. A rehabilitation programme consists of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise, manual resistance training, speech therapy, ultrasound guidance and a programme of medication, immobilization, compression stockings and splints.

As a priority for any healthcare organisation, it should develop adequate post operative guidelines and protocols. Current guidelines focus on minimally invasive techniques, but the need for radical changes is argued against as risks such as mortality, complications of infection and complications of limb deformity can be significantly reduced through a combination of surgery, immobilization and dressings. The importance of research priorities and time lines is underlined by the fact that with current resources, it has taken decades for researchers to generate sufficient evidence on the cost effectiveness of different post operative management strategies.

Currently there are two major areas of emphasis in pediatrics and orthopedics research. These are traumaology and paediatric orthopaedic surgery. Research is primarily focused on reducing morbidity, mortality and disability caused by trauma; preventing complications before they occur; reducing long term disability due to disease and complications; and promoting rehabilitation. There is also an effort to increase awareness of problems and implications of pediatric and traumatic injuries in relation to long term health and economic outcomes. This is a major breakthrough in modern medicine.

Appointments Dr Mahendra Meta is a Queensland-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialised in Adult Hip & Knee Replacement Surgery and Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery. He is one of very few orthopaedic surgeons in Brisbane with sub-specialty training fello