Not only does Mercyhealth treat children for the bumps and scrapes from everyday play, we’re also experts at helping kids overcome orthopedic problems that stem from birth or health issues.
Children’s growing bones, ligaments, tendons and nerves require a special skill set from an orthopedic surgeon to treat in the event of an accident, birth defect or illness. Mercyhealth offers a range of treatments from conservative to more invasive. We treat your child as you would—with gentleness and understanding—when circumstances cause them to need an orthopedic specialist.
Our pediatric orthopedic services
We treat the following issues in children:
- Ankle injuries and conditions
- Bone, joint and muscle deformities and injuries
- Cerebral palsy
- Chronic defects and delays
- Clubfoot deformities
- Congenital hip deformities
- Cystic fibrosis
- Developmental delays
- Foot problems
- Fractures
- Gait disturbance/abnormalities
- Growth plate fractures
- Growth plate injuries and disorders
- Hip disorders and dislocations
- In-toeing
- Juvenile arthritis
- Knees
- Limb length issues
- Muscular dystrophy
- Orthopedic issues secondary to chromosomal abnormalities
- Out-toeing
- Pediatric trauma
- Scoliosis
- Special needs pediatric orthopedic care
- Spina bifida
- Spinal disorders
- Sports-related pediatric injuries
- Sprains, dislocations or fractures
- Tendon injuries
Mercyhealth Pediatric Special Needs Clinic
We know how difficult it is to manage a medical condition that requires appointments with multiple specialists. To make the process easier for our young patients and their families, we offer a Pediatric Special Needs Clinic. Held the third Wednesday every other month at the Mercyhealth Orthopedic Center of Excellence, patients can see multiple providers all in one location, at one visit.
The clinic cares for patients from birth to 18 years of age, as well as older patients with childhood diagnoses, such as:
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- Chromosomal diagnoses
- Developmental/motor delays
- Bracing
- Gait disturbances
- NICU graduates
- Chronic illnesses that affect motor function
At the Pediatric Special Needs Clinic, you and your child can meet with specialists in:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Social services
- Social support groups
- Representatives from UIC Specialized Care for Children
- Coordination with Rockford Spine Center
To learn more about the Pediatric Special Needs Clinic, talk to your child's doctor. A referral is required.