Pediatric Orthopaedic Consults From Chiropractic Care

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopaedics
• Integrative Medicine
• Chiropractic Care

Background:

• Alternative medicine use in pediatrics is growing, with chiropractic care being a common choice.
• Limited research exists on chiropractic's role in pediatric orthopaedic pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present pediatric patients receiving chiropractic and orthopaedic care.
• To review existing research on chiropractic interventions for pediatric orthopaedic conditions.

Main Methods:

• A case series of 23 pediatric patients was conducted.
• Data included chiropractic and orthopaedic diagnoses, imaging, treatments, and complications.
• Conditions studied included scoliosis, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and hip dysplasia.

Main Results:

• Children received multiple chiropractic sessions for various orthopaedic diagnoses.
• Parental perception of chiropractic care was positive in all cases.
• Observed issues included delayed referral, misdiagnosis, adverse events, and ineffective treatments.

Conclusions:

• Chiropractic care is utilized for pediatric orthopaedic conditions, with positive parental feedback.
• Concerns regarding delayed referral, misdiagnosis, adverse events, and treatment efficacy were noted.
• Further research is essential to validate chiropractic interventions in pediatric orthopaedics.