Children’s hospital offers program for female athletes, muscular dystrophy in orthopedic care
Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital
New Haven, Conn.
Each year, about 19 million children in the United States receive treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, including fractures and broken bones, sports and overuse injuries, and congenital and development conditions. The pediatric orthopedic team at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital treats all musculoskeletal disorders and injuries and offers sports medicine treatment as well. It also provides specialized services like the Female+Athlete Program and Pediatric Muscular Dystrophy Program.
The Female+Athlete Program, the only one of its kind in Connecticut, specifically addresses sports injuries experienced by girls and young women. They are prone to different types of injuries compared to teen boys, even if they are playing the same sports. Conditions treated include ACL injuries, concussions, knee injuries, and sports-related endocrinology and menstrual issues. Other services offered include bone health assessments as well as nutrition for sports performance assessments and recommendations.
The hospital’s muscular dystrophy program is one of only a few in New England that provide diagnosis, treatment and care of children and teenagers with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders. The multidisciplinary team includes a neurologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, orthopedic surgeon, physical and occupational therapists, social worker, dietician, care coordinator and other specialists, such as a geneticist, as needed. Children are evaluated for sensation, muscle tone, range of motion, strength, gait and balance.
Yale New Haven Children’s orthopedics team also provides specialized treatment and care for cerebral palsy, clubfoot, hip dysplasia, limb lengthening and reconstruction, metabolic bone disease, bone fractures, spine conditions and more.