SSM Health Medical Minute: Treating common pediatric orthopedic injuries

Laura Simon
·2 min read

ST. LOUIS – If your child suffers an injury, the orthopedic surgeons at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital specialize in a wide range of services across multiple locations in the St. Louis bi-state region.

Dr. Ashley Ali is an orthopedic surgeon whose practice emphasizes sprains, strains, and overuse injuries, some of the more common injuries that come into the clinic.

“The good news is that the vast majority of sports injuries are non-operative, so they don’t need an orthopedic surgeon,” Ali said.

Ali warns parents to watch for red flags like limping or pain persisting for more than three days. If symptoms persist, Ali says it is imperative to seek medical attention right away.

“Every single orthopedic surgery office has an X-ray machine. If a bone is broken, then a lot of times people will be placed in a cast, especially adolescents and children,” she said. “Here at SSM, we do have these nice little braces called EXOS, and essentially, what it is a substitute for a cast.”

The orthopedic specialists can also treat fractures, growth plate injuries in children, and problems of the joints, tendons, and ligaments using advanced techniques. In addition, physicians can offer platelet-rich plasma cartilage and meniscus transplantation, as well as quadriceps autografts and ACL construction.

Pediatric orthopedic specialists from SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital are conveniently available close to your home. Injuries, including sprains and fractures, as well as common pediatric complaints such as torsional deformities and gait abnormalities, all are seen in our general pediatric orthopedic clinics. Imaging, splinting, and casting are available at five (5) locations.

To learn more about treating common sports injuries or to find a location close to home, click here.

The SSM Health Medical Minute airs Wednesdays on KPLR News 11 at 7 p.m. and FOX 2 News at 9 p.m.

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