Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

The Current Medical Practice of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon in North America

2011; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 31; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/bpo.0b013e31820fc8b7

1539-2570

James J. McCarthy, Douglas G. Armstrong, Joseph P. Davey, Howard R. Epps, Joseph A. Gerardi, Jeffrey S. Kanel, Charles T. Mehlman, James W. Roach, Richard M. Schwend, Brian G. Smith, W. Timothy Ward,

Innovations in Medical Education

Musculoskeletal disorders in children are common and comprise 20% to 30% of the complaints observed by primary care physicians. Most primary care physicians prefer to refer patients with pediatric musculoskeletal conditions to the pediatric orthopaedic surgeon; most of whom are treated nonoperatively. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons are well trained to provide efficient, cost-effective, and definitive quality care. This article supports the supposition that pediatric orthopaedic surgeons are the primary care physicians for children with musculoskeletal disorders. This article focuses on the primary clinical responsibilities of the pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, describes the value of this practice, and contrasts their responsibilities from that of other orthopaedic subspecialties.