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Lindsay Stephenson, MD is a board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon providing care for patients with a range of conditions, common to complex, including clubfoot, hip dysplasia, neuromuscular disorders, gait abnormalities, leg length differences, lower extremity deformity, limb deficiency, foot deformities, osteogenesis imperfecta, spina bifida, skeletal dysplasias and fractures. Dedicated to both orthopedic education and research, Dr. Stephenson is passionate about improving the care experience for the patient, their family and the healthcare team through quality, safety and value optimization.
Meet Dr. Lindsay Stephenson
Specialties
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
Education & Training
Baylor College of Medicine
Degree
Doctor of Medicine
Residency
University of Texas Health Science Center
Fellowship
Baylor College of Medicine
Certifications
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
Languages spoken
English
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.6
Based on 197 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
The office staff and provider were very nice and helpful
May 8, 2025
5
All the staff were great! Thorough, kind and efficient, especially when dealing with a very upset toddler. Will definitely return if we ever need an orthopedic consult
May 7, 2025
5
The front office staff was very kind, very knowledgeable, very courteous, very quick. I liked the efficiency, the friendliness, the attention to detail. The doctor was amazing, very direct, very informative, and I liked that she listened.
April 10, 2025
5
Jessica at the front desk greeted us by name because she remembered us, so sweet and efficient. Clinical staff Susan and x-ray tech Sue were great, and the doctor was very thorough.
April 10, 2025
5
Dr Stephenson really impressed my husband with her knowledge of sports injuries and the diagnosis she gave our 13 year old.
March 5, 2025
5
Took a long while to be seen. The provider was running behind schedule, it seems. But she was very nice and supportive and didn't rush me. Will definitely recommend!
March 3, 2025
5
We completely enjoyed our visit from the front desk to the doctor herself. Everyone was very kind, helpful, and friendly. And we will definitely recommend this for other people needing your services.
February 26, 2025
5
Dr. Stephenson was so kind and helpful. Very clean place!! Jessica and Lily in the front were so sweet and knowledgeable. The back staff were also amazing. Definitely recommend!
January 23, 2025
5
Dr. Stephenson is one of the best doctors I have ever met. She is nice and make sure you know all the information and listens to your concerns and makes sure all your questions are answered. I would definitely recommend her.
January 16, 2025
5
We came in with very few expectations and the staff really exceeded them. The nurse who was casting my daughter was wonderful, gave her undivided attention, answered all of our questions. The doctor did exactly the same and we were very, very happy and grateful for our experience.
January 8, 2025
3
Very hard office to get into. They changed my appointment once because doctor wouldn't be there. A couple weeks later called and asked if they can change it again because of wait times. I told them no I'll wait. They called again the week before my appointment and left a message right before they closed. Saying they canceled my appointment because doctor wouldn't be there. I called the next day to schedule my appointment and the girl told me the doctor had a schedule and don't know why they canceled and there was no reasoning on my account. I spent 30 minutes on the phone trying to schedule an appointment I had twice for the third time and she put me back at the day and time I had the second time.
January 3, 2025
5
Yes I was very satisfied with the care we received. We didn't have to wait long and the doctor was very informative and experience and helped us understand everything. Thank you.
November 24, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was wonderful! After examining me, she was able to identify what symptoms I was experiencing before I even told her.
November 16, 2024
5
Overall, our experience was great. The only issue we had was with the estimate process, but I have complicated insurance sometimes, so that's totally fair. But overall, we had an excellent experience. The doctor was wonderful. The staff was very friendly. And I have no complaints. Thank you.
November 16, 2024
5
The front staff, nurses and our doctor are always so kind and answer any questions we have.
November 15, 2024
5
Thank you for taking the time to explain everything to me and my son.
November 7, 2024
5
Very professional and kept my 6 year old at ease and she did not cry
November 6, 2024
4
Great
October 30, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was very knowledgeable and explained options to us, but let us know it was nothing to be concerned about. However, the wait was extremely long and we had a very early appointment. It was unfortunate that they had fallen behind so early in the day.
October 17, 2024
5
The whole office staff are friendly and prompt! Appointments are made as easy as possible and Dr. Stephenson is the BEST!
October 17, 2024
5
The medical doctor, the techs, the nurses, even the person working the front desk was exceptionally. They made my niece feel comfortable and excited about the visit. Everyone was professional. Will definitely recommend
October 12, 2024
5
Thank you for all the help from the front office to the service in the x-ray room and how quickly and thoroughly everything was. We really appreciate being able to get in there and out very quickly and everyone being very aware of how much time everything was taking. That was a huge help for our family. Thank you.
October 11, 2024
5
The experience with this office was most definitely better than previous Wellstar experience.
October 5, 2024
5
Thank you for the efficiency.
October 3, 2024
5
Great with kids!
October 2, 2024
5
The staff was very welcoming and friendly
September 22, 2024
5
Everyone in the office was professional and pleasant.
September 21, 2024
5
Awesome care and experience all the time! Keep it up! Thank you!
September 12, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was far better than I expected from the "canned video" on the website. She was knowledgeable, responsive, respectful, and gave us options. Some doctors can be arrogant, but she was definitely not that way. My son and I were both happy to find ourselves in her care!
September 3, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson and her staff was so amazing!!! Fastest experience, everyone was so nice!
August 29, 2024
5
The office staff and provider were very nice and helpful
May 8, 2025
5
All the staff were great! Thorough, kind and efficient, especially when dealing with a very upset toddler. Will definitely return if we ever need an orthopedic consult
May 7, 2025
5
The front office staff was very kind, very knowledgeable, very courteous, very quick. I liked the efficiency, the friendliness, the attention to detail. The doctor was amazing, very direct, very informative, and I liked that she listened.
April 10, 2025
5
Jessica at the front desk greeted us by name because she remembered us, so sweet and efficient. Clinical staff Susan and x-ray tech Sue were great, and the doctor was very thorough.
April 10, 2025
5
Dr Stephenson really impressed my husband with her knowledge of sports injuries and the diagnosis she gave our 13 year old.
March 5, 2025
5
Took a long while to be seen. The provider was running behind schedule, it seems. But she was very nice and supportive and didn't rush me. Will definitely recommend!
March 3, 2025
5
We completely enjoyed our visit from the front desk to the doctor herself. Everyone was very kind, helpful, and friendly. And we will definitely recommend this for other people needing your services.
February 26, 2025
5
Dr. Stephenson was so kind and helpful. Very clean place!! Jessica and Lily in the front were so sweet and knowledgeable. The back staff were also amazing. Definitely recommend!
January 23, 2025
5
Dr. Stephenson is one of the best doctors I have ever met. She is nice and make sure you know all the information and listens to your concerns and makes sure all your questions are answered. I would definitely recommend her.
January 16, 2025
5
We came in with very few expectations and the staff really exceeded them. The nurse who was casting my daughter was wonderful, gave her undivided attention, answered all of our questions. The doctor did exactly the same and we were very, very happy and grateful for our experience.
January 8, 2025
5
Yes I was very satisfied with the care we received. We didn't have to wait long and the doctor was very informative and experience and helped us understand everything. Thank you.
November 24, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was wonderful! After examining me, she was able to identify what symptoms I was experiencing before I even told her.
November 16, 2024
5
Overall, our experience was great. The only issue we had was with the estimate process, but I have complicated insurance sometimes, so that's totally fair. But overall, we had an excellent experience. The doctor was wonderful. The staff was very friendly. And I have no complaints. Thank you.
November 16, 2024
5
The front staff, nurses and our doctor are always so kind and answer any questions we have.
November 15, 2024
5
Thank you for taking the time to explain everything to me and my son.
November 7, 2024
5
Very professional and kept my 6 year old at ease and she did not cry
November 6, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was very knowledgeable and explained options to us, but let us know it was nothing to be concerned about. However, the wait was extremely long and we had a very early appointment. It was unfortunate that they had fallen behind so early in the day.
October 17, 2024
5
The whole office staff are friendly and prompt! Appointments are made as easy as possible and Dr. Stephenson is the BEST!
October 17, 2024
5
The medical doctor, the techs, the nurses, even the person working the front desk was exceptionally. They made my niece feel comfortable and excited about the visit. Everyone was professional. Will definitely recommend
October 12, 2024
5
Thank you for all the help from the front office to the service in the x-ray room and how quickly and thoroughly everything was. We really appreciate being able to get in there and out very quickly and everyone being very aware of how much time everything was taking. That was a huge help for our family. Thank you.
October 11, 2024
5
The experience with this office was most definitely better than previous Wellstar experience.
October 5, 2024
5
Thank you for the efficiency.
October 3, 2024
5
Great with kids!
October 2, 2024
5
The staff was very welcoming and friendly
September 22, 2024
5
Everyone in the office was professional and pleasant.
September 21, 2024
5
Awesome care and experience all the time! Keep it up! Thank you!
September 12, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was far better than I expected from the "canned video" on the website. She was knowledgeable, responsive, respectful, and gave us options. Some doctors can be arrogant, but she was definitely not that way. My son and I were both happy to find ourselves in her care!
September 3, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson and her staff was so amazing!!! Fastest experience, everyone was so nice!
August 29, 2024
4
Great
October 30, 2024
3
Very hard office to get into. They changed my appointment once because doctor wouldn't be there. A couple weeks later called and asked if they can change it again because of wait times. I told them no I'll wait. They called again the week before my appointment and left a message right before they closed. Saying they canceled my appointment because doctor wouldn't be there. I called the next day to schedule my appointment and the girl told me the doctor had a schedule and don't know why they canceled and there was no reasoning on my account. I spent 30 minutes on the phone trying to schedule an appointment I had twice for the third time and she put me back at the day and time I had the second time.
January 3, 2025
3
Very hard office to get into. They changed my appointment once because doctor wouldn't be there. A couple weeks later called and asked if they can change it again because of wait times. I told them no I'll wait. They called again the week before my appointment and left a message right before they closed. Saying they canceled my appointment because doctor wouldn't be there. I called the next day to schedule my appointment and the girl told me the doctor had a schedule and don't know why they canceled and there was no reasoning on my account. I spent 30 minutes on the phone trying to schedule an appointment I had twice for the third time and she put me back at the day and time I had the second time.
January 3, 2025
4
Great
October 30, 2024
5
The office staff and provider were very nice and helpful
May 8, 2025
5
All the staff were great! Thorough, kind and efficient, especially when dealing with a very upset toddler. Will definitely return if we ever need an orthopedic consult
May 7, 2025
5
The front office staff was very kind, very knowledgeable, very courteous, very quick. I liked the efficiency, the friendliness, the attention to detail. The doctor was amazing, very direct, very informative, and I liked that she listened.
April 10, 2025
5
Jessica at the front desk greeted us by name because she remembered us, so sweet and efficient. Clinical staff Susan and x-ray tech Sue were great, and the doctor was very thorough.
April 10, 2025
5
Dr Stephenson really impressed my husband with her knowledge of sports injuries and the diagnosis she gave our 13 year old.
March 5, 2025
5
Took a long while to be seen. The provider was running behind schedule, it seems. But she was very nice and supportive and didn't rush me. Will definitely recommend!
March 3, 2025
5
We completely enjoyed our visit from the front desk to the doctor herself. Everyone was very kind, helpful, and friendly. And we will definitely recommend this for other people needing your services.
February 26, 2025
5
Dr. Stephenson was so kind and helpful. Very clean place!! Jessica and Lily in the front were so sweet and knowledgeable. The back staff were also amazing. Definitely recommend!
January 23, 2025
5
Dr. Stephenson is one of the best doctors I have ever met. She is nice and make sure you know all the information and listens to your concerns and makes sure all your questions are answered. I would definitely recommend her.
January 16, 2025
5
We came in with very few expectations and the staff really exceeded them. The nurse who was casting my daughter was wonderful, gave her undivided attention, answered all of our questions. The doctor did exactly the same and we were very, very happy and grateful for our experience.
January 8, 2025
5
Yes I was very satisfied with the care we received. We didn't have to wait long and the doctor was very informative and experience and helped us understand everything. Thank you.
November 24, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was wonderful! After examining me, she was able to identify what symptoms I was experiencing before I even told her.
November 16, 2024
5
Overall, our experience was great. The only issue we had was with the estimate process, but I have complicated insurance sometimes, so that's totally fair. But overall, we had an excellent experience. The doctor was wonderful. The staff was very friendly. And I have no complaints. Thank you.
November 16, 2024
5
The front staff, nurses and our doctor are always so kind and answer any questions we have.
November 15, 2024
5
Thank you for taking the time to explain everything to me and my son.
November 7, 2024
5
Very professional and kept my 6 year old at ease and she did not cry
November 6, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was very knowledgeable and explained options to us, but let us know it was nothing to be concerned about. However, the wait was extremely long and we had a very early appointment. It was unfortunate that they had fallen behind so early in the day.
October 17, 2024
5
The whole office staff are friendly and prompt! Appointments are made as easy as possible and Dr. Stephenson is the BEST!
October 17, 2024
5
The medical doctor, the techs, the nurses, even the person working the front desk was exceptionally. They made my niece feel comfortable and excited about the visit. Everyone was professional. Will definitely recommend
October 12, 2024
5
Thank you for all the help from the front office to the service in the x-ray room and how quickly and thoroughly everything was. We really appreciate being able to get in there and out very quickly and everyone being very aware of how much time everything was taking. That was a huge help for our family. Thank you.
October 11, 2024
5
The experience with this office was most definitely better than previous Wellstar experience.
October 5, 2024
5
Thank you for the efficiency.
October 3, 2024
5
Great with kids!
October 2, 2024
5
The staff was very welcoming and friendly
September 22, 2024
5
Everyone in the office was professional and pleasant.
September 21, 2024
5
Awesome care and experience all the time! Keep it up! Thank you!
September 12, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was far better than I expected from the "canned video" on the website. She was knowledgeable, responsive, respectful, and gave us options. Some doctors can be arrogant, but she was definitely not that way. My son and I were both happy to find ourselves in her care!
September 3, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson and her staff was so amazing!!! Fastest experience, everyone was so nice!
August 29, 2024
5
The office staff and provider were very nice and helpful
May 8, 2025
5
All the staff were great! Thorough, kind and efficient, especially when dealing with a very upset toddler. Will definitely return if we ever need an orthopedic consult
May 7, 2025
5
The front office staff was very kind, very knowledgeable, very courteous, very quick. I liked the efficiency, the friendliness, the attention to detail. The doctor was amazing, very direct, very informative, and I liked that she listened.
April 10, 2025
5
Jessica at the front desk greeted us by name because she remembered us, so sweet and efficient. Clinical staff Susan and x-ray tech Sue were great, and the doctor was very thorough.
April 10, 2025
5
Dr Stephenson really impressed my husband with her knowledge of sports injuries and the diagnosis she gave our 13 year old.
March 5, 2025
5
Took a long while to be seen. The provider was running behind schedule, it seems. But she was very nice and supportive and didn't rush me. Will definitely recommend!
March 3, 2025
5
We completely enjoyed our visit from the front desk to the doctor herself. Everyone was very kind, helpful, and friendly. And we will definitely recommend this for other people needing your services.
February 26, 2025
5
Dr. Stephenson was so kind and helpful. Very clean place!! Jessica and Lily in the front were so sweet and knowledgeable. The back staff were also amazing. Definitely recommend!
January 23, 2025
5
Dr. Stephenson is one of the best doctors I have ever met. She is nice and make sure you know all the information and listens to your concerns and makes sure all your questions are answered. I would definitely recommend her.
January 16, 2025
5
We came in with very few expectations and the staff really exceeded them. The nurse who was casting my daughter was wonderful, gave her undivided attention, answered all of our questions. The doctor did exactly the same and we were very, very happy and grateful for our experience.
January 8, 2025
3
Very hard office to get into. They changed my appointment once because doctor wouldn't be there. A couple weeks later called and asked if they can change it again because of wait times. I told them no I'll wait. They called again the week before my appointment and left a message right before they closed. Saying they canceled my appointment because doctor wouldn't be there. I called the next day to schedule my appointment and the girl told me the doctor had a schedule and don't know why they canceled and there was no reasoning on my account. I spent 30 minutes on the phone trying to schedule an appointment I had twice for the third time and she put me back at the day and time I had the second time.
January 3, 2025
5
Yes I was very satisfied with the care we received. We didn't have to wait long and the doctor was very informative and experience and helped us understand everything. Thank you.
November 24, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was wonderful! After examining me, she was able to identify what symptoms I was experiencing before I even told her.
November 16, 2024
5
Overall, our experience was great. The only issue we had was with the estimate process, but I have complicated insurance sometimes, so that's totally fair. But overall, we had an excellent experience. The doctor was wonderful. The staff was very friendly. And I have no complaints. Thank you.
November 16, 2024
5
The front staff, nurses and our doctor are always so kind and answer any questions we have.
November 15, 2024
5
Thank you for taking the time to explain everything to me and my son.
November 7, 2024
5
Very professional and kept my 6 year old at ease and she did not cry
November 6, 2024
4
Great
October 30, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was very knowledgeable and explained options to us, but let us know it was nothing to be concerned about. However, the wait was extremely long and we had a very early appointment. It was unfortunate that they had fallen behind so early in the day.
October 17, 2024
5
The whole office staff are friendly and prompt! Appointments are made as easy as possible and Dr. Stephenson is the BEST!
October 17, 2024
5
The medical doctor, the techs, the nurses, even the person working the front desk was exceptionally. They made my niece feel comfortable and excited about the visit. Everyone was professional. Will definitely recommend
October 12, 2024
5
Thank you for all the help from the front office to the service in the x-ray room and how quickly and thoroughly everything was. We really appreciate being able to get in there and out very quickly and everyone being very aware of how much time everything was taking. That was a huge help for our family. Thank you.
October 11, 2024
5
The experience with this office was most definitely better than previous Wellstar experience.
October 5, 2024
5
Thank you for the efficiency.
October 3, 2024
5
Great with kids!
October 2, 2024
5
The staff was very welcoming and friendly
September 22, 2024
5
Everyone in the office was professional and pleasant.
September 21, 2024
5
Awesome care and experience all the time! Keep it up! Thank you!
September 12, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was far better than I expected from the "canned video" on the website. She was knowledgeable, responsive, respectful, and gave us options. Some doctors can be arrogant, but she was definitely not that way. My son and I were both happy to find ourselves in her care!
September 3, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson and her staff was so amazing!!! Fastest experience, everyone was so nice!
August 29, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson and her staff was so amazing!!! Fastest experience, everyone was so nice!
August 29, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was far better than I expected from the "canned video" on the website. She was knowledgeable, responsive, respectful, and gave us options. Some doctors can be arrogant, but she was definitely not that way. My son and I were both happy to find ourselves in her care!
September 3, 2024
5
Awesome care and experience all the time! Keep it up! Thank you!
September 12, 2024
5
Everyone in the office was professional and pleasant.
September 21, 2024
5
The staff was very welcoming and friendly
September 22, 2024
5
Great with kids!
October 2, 2024
5
Thank you for the efficiency.
October 3, 2024
5
The experience with this office was most definitely better than previous Wellstar experience.
October 5, 2024
5
Thank you for all the help from the front office to the service in the x-ray room and how quickly and thoroughly everything was. We really appreciate being able to get in there and out very quickly and everyone being very aware of how much time everything was taking. That was a huge help for our family. Thank you.
October 11, 2024
5
The medical doctor, the techs, the nurses, even the person working the front desk was exceptionally. They made my niece feel comfortable and excited about the visit. Everyone was professional. Will definitely recommend
October 12, 2024
5
The whole office staff are friendly and prompt! Appointments are made as easy as possible and Dr. Stephenson is the BEST!
October 17, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was very knowledgeable and explained options to us, but let us know it was nothing to be concerned about. However, the wait was extremely long and we had a very early appointment. It was unfortunate that they had fallen behind so early in the day.
October 17, 2024
4
Great
October 30, 2024
5
Very professional and kept my 6 year old at ease and she did not cry
November 6, 2024
5
Thank you for taking the time to explain everything to me and my son.
November 7, 2024
5
The front staff, nurses and our doctor are always so kind and answer any questions we have.
November 15, 2024
5
Overall, our experience was great. The only issue we had was with the estimate process, but I have complicated insurance sometimes, so that's totally fair. But overall, we had an excellent experience. The doctor was wonderful. The staff was very friendly. And I have no complaints. Thank you.
November 16, 2024
5
Dr. Stephenson was wonderful! After examining me, she was able to identify what symptoms I was experiencing before I even told her.
November 16, 2024
5
Yes I was very satisfied with the care we received. We didn't have to wait long and the doctor was very informative and experience and helped us understand everything. Thank you.
November 24, 2024
3
Very hard office to get into. They changed my appointment once because doctor wouldn't be there. A couple weeks later called and asked if they can change it again because of wait times. I told them no I'll wait. They called again the week before my appointment and left a message right before they closed. Saying they canceled my appointment because doctor wouldn't be there. I called the next day to schedule my appointment and the girl told me the doctor had a schedule and don't know why they canceled and there was no reasoning on my account. I spent 30 minutes on the phone trying to schedule an appointment I had twice for the third time and she put me back at the day and time I had the second time.
January 3, 2025
5
We came in with very few expectations and the staff really exceeded them. The nurse who was casting my daughter was wonderful, gave her undivided attention, answered all of our questions. The doctor did exactly the same and we were very, very happy and grateful for our experience.
January 8, 2025
5
Dr. Stephenson is one of the best doctors I have ever met. She is nice and make sure you know all the information and listens to your concerns and makes sure all your questions are answered. I would definitely recommend her.
January 16, 2025
5
Dr. Stephenson was so kind and helpful. Very clean place!! Jessica and Lily in the front were so sweet and knowledgeable. The back staff were also amazing. Definitely recommend!
January 23, 2025
5
We completely enjoyed our visit from the front desk to the doctor herself. Everyone was very kind, helpful, and friendly. And we will definitely recommend this for other people needing your services.
February 26, 2025
5
Took a long while to be seen. The provider was running behind schedule, it seems. But she was very nice and supportive and didn't rush me. Will definitely recommend!
March 3, 2025
5
Dr Stephenson really impressed my husband with her knowledge of sports injuries and the diagnosis she gave our 13 year old.
March 5, 2025
5
Jessica at the front desk greeted us by name because she remembered us, so sweet and efficient. Clinical staff Susan and x-ray tech Sue were great, and the doctor was very thorough.
April 10, 2025
5
The front office staff was very kind, very knowledgeable, very courteous, very quick. I liked the efficiency, the friendliness, the attention to detail. The doctor was amazing, very direct, very informative, and I liked that she listened.
April 10, 2025
5
All the staff were great! Thorough, kind and efficient, especially when dealing with a very upset toddler. Will definitely return if we ever need an orthopedic consult
May 7, 2025
5
The office staff and provider were very nice and helpful
May 8, 2025
Publications and Articles
Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics Cares for Children’s Growing Bones
Children are not just smaller-size adults. Their bones and joints are still growing, and they need specialized expertise. Children and adults require different care and treatments, and the providers at Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics are experts in caring for children’s bones.
How children’s bones grow
The skeleton is continuously renewing itself throughout our lifetime. During this process, older bone is removed and replaced with newer bone.
“As the child grows during childhood through adolescence, their body forms new bone quicker than the older bone is removed,” said Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Lindsay Stephenson. “It is this process that allows for the bones to become denser.”
Peak bone mass is usually achieved in our 20s. In addition to a healthy diet, regular weight bearing and resistance exercises are also beneficial to building a strong skeleton.
Why children’s bones are different
There are many other differences between the bones of children and adults. In fact, when born, the body has about 300 bones. Some of these bones fuse together during growth and the final count in the adult skeleton is 206 distinct bones.
Another important difference is that children’s bones are still growing. This growth is both in the length of the bone and the diameter (or width) of the bone. Bones grow longer from a specialized area of the bone called the physis, which is also known as the growth plate. Because children have an active (or open) growth plate, there are special considerations when the bone is fractured. One of these is an advantage for children. Because of the growth capacity in their bones, it is possible that fractures that are not perfectly aligned can heal and the bone may straighten out during the process of natural growth. This means that fractures that would require surgery in an adult do not necessarily require as intense treatment in a child.
The disadvantage, however, is that in some cases, the fracture can involve the growth plate, known as a physeal fracture. In some patients, usually those with more severe physeal fractures, there is a risk that the growth plate is damaged and can result in abnormal growth of the bone after the fracture is healed. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon is trained to treat these injuries and to monitor the bone for evidence of a developing issue with bone growth.
Find an orthopedic expert near you
Wellstar pediatric orthopedic specialists evaluate the whole child to assess how an orthopedic condition affects their overall health and wellness. To schedule an appointment for your child, visit wellstar.org/pedsortho or call (404) 321-9900.
Wellstar knows that the beginning of the school year is often accompanied by getting back to extracurricular activities. With the return to the classroom and competition arenas, we know parents, coaches and teachers alike are concerned that their student athletes are fueling their bodies and brains for optimal performance.
Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics recommends getting the correct amount of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, iron, calcium and vitamin D, as well as fluids. Dietary supplements are not needed for youth athletes unless recommended by a healthcare professional. It is more important to meet the body’s caloric needs.
For hydration, it’s recommended that student athletes consume up to 20 ounces of fluid one hour before an activity and 5 ounces every 15 minutes during the activity.
“Proper nutrition and hydration are critical for all students, but particularly for athletes who are more active and burning more calories,” said Dr. Lindsay Stephenson, Wellstar pediatric orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. “I recommend using the nutritional guide released by the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. This information makes it easier for students and their parents to understand the nutritional needs of the body to perform in the classroom and during competition.”
