Why children are different
Children’s bones are still growing, and the growth plates near the ends of the bones are softer than the bone itself. That changes both how children get injured and how the injuries are treated. Many childhood fractures heal quickly and remodel on their own, while injuries through a growth plate need careful handling to avoid problems as the child grows.
What Dr East treats
- Fractures of the arm, wrist, leg and ankle, in a cast or with surgery where the bone is displaced.
- Growth plate injuries.
- Sports injuries in school-age athletes, including knee and ankle ligament injuries.
- Osgood-Schlatter disease, Sever’s disease and other overuse conditions of growing athletes.
- Patella instability in teenagers.
For parents
Consultations are at Mediclinic Kloof in Pretoria East. Bring any X-rays from the emergency unit, and let reception know the patient is a child so enough time is booked.