10. Pediatric Musculoskeletal Complaints

Pediatric musculoskeletal concerns can be challenging for the clinician because of the age and communication ability of the patient. In addition, pediatric orthopedic conditions are of particular concern to parents and healthcare providers alike, as the presence of growth plates leads to concerns about lifelong consequences to poor healing. There are certainly many pediatric conditions which are best cared for by pediatric orthopedic specialists, but many other conditions can be safely managed in the primary care clinician’s office. A reasonable general rule of thumb is to refer pediatric patients with musculoskeletal complaints that are potentially serious, difficult to diagnose, or involve joints or areas which are prone to poor healing or poor outcomes.