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The Ins and Outs of Neonatal Orthopedic Disorders: Back to Basics
Michele Savin1, Curry Bordelon2, Lela Baker3
1College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA michele.savin@jefferson.edu.
Insights
Neonatal skeletal differences, including growth, positional, and injury concerns, are reviewed. This primer covers bone development, minerals, anomalies, and infections for neonatal caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal skeletal development and orthopedic health.
Background:
- Neonatal skeletal system differences can be intrinsic or acquired.
- Key challenges include growth issues related to calcium and phosphorus, positional or developmental concerns, and injuries.
- Skeletal anomalies like malformations, deformations, and disruptions can affect any body part.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review embryologic bone development and bone minerals.
- To discuss orthopedic anomalies, injuries, and infections in neonates.
- To highlight common orthopedic concerns for neonatal caregivers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of embryologic bone development.
- Review of neonatal orthopedic anomalies and conditions.
- Discussion of injuries and infections impacting the neonatal skeletal system.
Main Results:
- Neonatal skeletal issues encompass a range of conditions from congenital anomalies to acquired injuries.
- Understanding bone mineral metabolism is crucial for addressing neonatal growth concerns.
- Infections and trauma present significant risks to the developing neonatal skeleton.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal skeletal health requires attention to development, mineral balance, and potential anomalies.
- Early identification and management of orthopedic issues are vital for neonates.
- This review serves as a foundational guide for caregivers managing neonatal orthopedic challenges.
Abstract:
The skeletal system of neonates may have intrinsic or acquired differences. Challenges that arise in the neonatal period include growth concerns affected by calcium and phosphorus, positional or developmental concerns, or injuries, which could be isolated or related to genetics. Malformations, deformations, and disruptions can be present in any part of the body, from the skull to the feet. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief review of embryologic bone development, bone minerals, and orthopedic anomalies. Injuries and infections that affect the neonatal skeletal system are also discussed. Common orthopedic concerns are highlighted as a primer for novice neonatal caregivers.
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