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Watauga Orthopaedics
Watauga Orthopaedics
  • Phone: (423) 282-9011
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      • Alan Aiken, DO
      • Marc Aiken, MD
      • Jonathan D. Bryant, DO
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      • Robert J. DeTroye, MD
      • Parker P. Duncan, MD
      • Richard W. Duncan, MD
      • Tyler M. Duncan, DO
      • Jason A. Fogleman, MD
      • Jeffrey J. France, MD
      • Joseph R. Hurst, DO
      • Thomas W. Gill, Jr., MD
      • Timothy D. Jenkins, MD
      • Kent J. Lord, MD
      • Scott R. MacDonald, DO
      • Mark T. McQuain, MD
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Orthopedics in Children vs. Adults

December 27, 2021

orthopedic doctor examining patient with knee problems in clinic

An orthopedic doctor deals with conditions associated with the musculoskeletal system, which involves the bones, muscles, and related tissues and structures. The “ped” root word means “child,” and the prefix “orth” means “straight” or “upright.” The medical field of orthopedics originally addressed bone-growth issues and related physical-development problems in young children.

The field has exploded to now also address musculoskeletal issues of all kinds in adults, such as arthritis and sports injuries. Many aspects of pediatric orthopedics are similar to those of adult orthopedics.

Let’s talk about the differences and similarities between pediatric and adult orthopedics, and where you can go in Northeast Tennessee for outstanding orthopedic care.

Orthopedics in Children

Pediatric orthopedics is devoted to treating musculoskeletal health problems or injuries in children up to age 18. Here are a few facts surrounding pediatric orthopedics:

Children Aren’t Little Adults

Treatment of a musculoskeletal condition that works fine in an adult may not work for your child. This is because your child’s body is still growing and may react differently to injuries and treatments. A young child’s bones are a bit flexible and haven’t yet fully hardened, and the bones haven’t yet grown to their full length – the growth plates are not yet complete until the mid-teens.

Pediatric Orthopedists Have Specialized Education and Training Requirements

This type of doctor learns how to treat bone-growth issues, such as when a child has a leg that is not growing at the same rate as the other leg. A pediatric orthopedist usually completes at least one year of subspecialty training in pediatric orthopedics, including pediatric spinal deformity.

Not all children can express their discomfort or pain when suffering an orthopedic injury or condition. Therefore, a pediatric orthopedist must undergo specific training to understand how to communicate with children and how to determine a diagnosis.

Orthopedic Conditions in Children

Though the scope of orthopedics in children is quite broad, some of the most common conditions that a pediatric orthopedist treats include:

  • Problems walking or moving
  • Limb deformities
  • Clubfoot
  • Scoliosis
  • Spina bifida
  • Spinal and nerve issues
  • Bone and joint infections
  • Sports injuries

Orthopedics in Adults

Adult orthopedics deals with musculoskeletal pain, conditions, and diseases in people age 18 and older. You can see an adult orthopedist for acute issues, such as a sprained ankle, or chronic conditions, such as arthritis. Here are a few facts surrounding adult orthopedics:

Orthopedics in Adults Is Designed to Improve Function Rather than to Address Growth

Unlike children who are in the growing phase, adults have firmly calcified bones. Fractures in adults generally need to have a cast on the area for a longer period of time than would a child’s fracture. Hairline fractures can commonly appear in the bones of older adults, usually due to stress on the bone or to osteoporosis.

Adults frequently develop arthritis, a torn meniscus (cartilage in the knee), shoulder pain due to a torn rotator cuff, and other joint problems. An orthopedist who treats adults sees these injuries more often than other types of orthopedic issues.

Subspecialties in Adult Orthopedics

After residency (which is hands-on medical training after completing medical school), an adult orthopedist can undergo fellowship training in an orthopedic subspecialty, such as:

  • Back surgery
  • Joint replacement surgery
  • Orthopedic trauma
  • Musculoskeletal cancer
  • An area of the body, such as the arms/hands/shoulders or the spine

Orthopedic Conditions in Adults

Some of the most common orthopedic health issues in adults include:

  • Arthritis
  • Torn meniscus
  • Torn rotator cuff
  • Joint fracture
  • Osteoporosis
  • Strains and sprains
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Herniated disc
  • Compression fracture

Adult and Pediatric Orthopedist in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, TN

If you or your child is suffering from any orthopedic condition or injury, visit us at Watauga Orthopaedics. Our orthopedic specialists know how to address your unique orthopedic issues and can treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions, from diagnosis to rehabilitation.

To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedists, call Watauga Orthopaedics today at (423) 282-9011 or request one online now. We look forward to serving you!

 

Filed Under: Orthopedics Tagged With: orthopedic care, Orthopedic doctor Bristol TN, Orthopedic doctor near me, Orthopedic Surgeons Kingsport TN, Orthopedics, Pediatric Orthopedics

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JOHNSON CITY ORTHOPAEDICS OFFICE
2410 Susannah Street | Johnson City, TN 37601
Physical Therapy Office: 2412 Susannah Street | Johnson City, TN 37601
Phone: (423) 282-9011
Fax: (423) 282-0035
Appointments: M-F: 8 am – 5 pm
Walk-In Clinic:
M-F, 8 am – 8 pm
Sat: 8 am – 5 pm | Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm
Virtual Clinic:
M-F: 8 pm – 10 pm | Sat-Sun: 5 pm – 10 pm

KINGSPORT ORTHOPAEDICS OFFICE
875 Larry Neil Way | Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone: (423) 282-9011
Fax: (423) 282-0035
Appointments: M-F, 8 am – 5 pm
Walk-In Clinic: M-F, 8 am – 8 pm
Virtual Clinic:
M-F: 8 pm – 10 pm | Sat-Sun: 5 pm – 10 pm

BRISTOL ORTHOPAEDICS OFFICE 
340 Steeles Road | Bristol, TN 37620
Phone: (423) 282-9011
Fax: (423) 282-0035
Appointments: M-F, 8 am – 5 pm
Walk-In Clinic: M-F, 8 am – 8 pm
Virtual Clinic:
M-F: 8 pm – 10 pm | Sat-Sun: 5 pm – 10 pm

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At Watauga Orthopaedics, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are experts in treating injuries and conditions of the Spine/Neck/Back, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip & Knee, Joint Replacement, Pediatric Orthopaedics, Shoulder & Elbow, Sports Medicine, Trauma & Fractures, and Work-Related Injuries. We offer multiple treatments and services in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, TN.