Pediatric Orthopedics

Clubfoot is a condition that causes one or both feet to twist in and down at birth. It causes no pain until a child starts standing or walking, and then it can be nearly impossible to walk normally. Our pediatric orthopedic team is specially trained in the best treatment approaches, including the Ponseti method. We utilize highly successful treatments for clubfoot that ensure most children grow up to have no limitations and lead busy and active lives.

Because newborn joints, ligaments and tendons are very flexible, treatments for clubfoot are recommended to start two to four weeks after birth. The Ponseti Method is the gold standard nonsurgical approach to treating clubfeet. We have one of three practicing providers in the state of Michigan that is recognized as a preferred provider by The Ponseti International Association.

Follow-up care is key for success. Special braces and stretching exercises continue for several years to make sure the clubfoot does not return as your child grows. The risk of needing surgery for further correction before age 6 is significantly higher in children who do not wear their braces. We continue to monitor kids throughout childhood and adolescence to watch for signs that the clubfoot could be recurring. Caring for a child with clubfoot is a team effort and parents are one of the most important parts of the team.

Hip dysplasia occurs when a baby is born with a shallow hip socket. This can make the “ball” at the top of the leg bone slip in and out of the socket. Without treatment, this can lead to osteoarthritis and other hip deformities in young adulthood. When diagnosed and treated appropriately, most children develop normally.

Hip dysplasia is a common condition, and babies that are breech, first-born females or have a family history of hip dysplasia are at a higher risk for having the condition. As experts in the complexities of growing bodies, our pediatric orthopedic providers can determine the right treatment based on a child’s age and the severity of the condition.

Checking for dysplasia of the hip in babies is a regular part of standard checkups with their primary care providers. When diagnosed, one of our pediatric orthopedic specialists can help stabilize the hip and treat the condition to prevent pain or problems later in life. Often a simple harness before 6 months of age is enough to correct the problem, but other times, casting or surgeries are needed to ensure full recovery. Working with our exceptional pediatric orthopedic surgeons is the key to proper treatment.

We partner with pediatric neuroscience center physicians who are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of neuromuscular disorders, including duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy. Extensive diagnostic testing and a team of treatment professionals combine to help children improve muscle and joint function, while slowing muscle deterioration so individuals can live as actively and independently as possible.

If your child is diagnosed with osteosarcoma, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital can provide a highly specialized pediatric and adolescent bone and sarcoma treatment team, including the only two pediatric orthopedic oncology surgeons in West Michigan. The bone and sarcoma multispecialty clinic allows patients to see a team of experts in a single visit. We offer the newest therapies and technology available to diagnose and treat bone cancer. Our team is also active in research to understand this cancer better and improve treatment options, as a member of the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration and Children’s Oncology Group, among others.

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine, occurring at any age, but most often during the growth spurt before puberty begins. Our pediatric orthopedic team evaluates and determines the right plan of care based on the latest in advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

Decisions regarding treatment for scoliosis are made based on the degree of spinal curve and the patient’s age. Small curves may require no treatment at all, or simple observation to confirm that the curve doesn’t worsen. Moderate-sized curves may be treated with a back brace to help prevent further curvature of the spine.

Severe curves, or those that don’t respond to bracing, may require surgery to correct the spine and prevent progression of the condition throughout life. It’s delicate, specialized surgery, in which our experts are highly skilled. Most kids are able to resume an active life after treatment.

We also offer vertebral body tethering, a new technique used for certain curves that don’t respond to bracing in children who have a significant amount of growth remaining.

Spondylolysis is a stress injury of the spine that can cause lower back pain in children. Our experienced pediatric orthopedic team can properly diagnose and treat your child's back pain.

Spondylolysis requires rest and activity restrictions to fully heal. Our doctors can determine best treatments, which may include bracing to help stabilize bones as they heal or physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the back. It's important to work with our pediatric orthopedic specialists to make sure that the condition does not worsen.