Pediatric orthopedics is a focus of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of children with musculoskeletal injuries.
Carlos A. Uquillas, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in pediatric orthopedics to ensure children receive the high-quality treatment they need to heal fully. Dr. Uquillas has extensive training in treating kids’ injuries without interfering with their growth and physical development.
Kids are known for being full of energy and physically active. While sports and other activities are a great way for kids to grow strong and stay fit, they also increase a child’s risk for musculoskeletal injuries like:
These conditions are a common side effect of overuse injuries from sports participation, falls, and auto accidents. Some kids may experience persistent joint pain because of underlying medical conditions like juvenile arthritis and lupus.
We offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for orthopedic injuries in kids to accurately identify the cause of pain and other symptoms.
Signs your child might need a pediatric orthopedic evaluation includes:
Ideally, you should schedule a consultation with us soon after events like falls, auto accidents, or trauma during sports to confirm there’s no serious injuries. We also recommend that your child undergo an evaluation if they have symptoms that don’t improve with rest and over-the-counter medications, or if your child’s pain worsens even with care at home.
We offer on-site X-rays and other diagnostic imaging tests to get a closer look at your child’s bones and soft tissues. These tests help Dr. Uquillas identify sprains, tissue tears, and fractures, so he can create a treatment plan to help your child heal.
Typically, the initial treatment plan for pediatric orthopedic injuries involves conservative therapies like bracing and medications. Once your child’s pain is under control, they may benefit from physical therapy to speed up their recovery and restore strength in the affected joint or muscle.
If your child has a fracture or other serious injury, they may need surgery. Dr. Uquillas is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques to repair fractures, soft tissue tears, and other orthopedic injuries.
He may also recommend surgery if your child has joint deformities from arthritis or other conditions. Dr. Uquillas specializes in correcting deformities in kids’ arms, hands, legs, and feet.
Every child heals differently after an orthopedic injury. The length of their recovery depends on the nature of the injury, your child’s age, and their general health.
As your child recovers from their injury or orthopedic surgery, they may need physical therapy and other rehabilitative therapies to function optimally. We can also provide you and your child with resources to avoid additional injuries when playing sports or engaging in other physical activities.
Resources may include tips for warming up and cooling down properly, staying hydrated, and proper techniques to use when playing a specific sport.
Don’t put off a diagnostic evaluation for a pediatric orthopedic injury. Call the office of Carlos A. Uquillas, MD, nearest you or book an appointment online today.
