Category Archives: Pediatric Feature

Biotechnology startups break into pediatric care

Companies looking to bring to market the next great solution to a thorny problem in medical care for children and adolescents are forming across the nation. The market is ripe for disruptive ideas, but to succeed, entrepreneurs have to show investors and clinicians that what they’re selling can truly make a difference.

By Keith Loria and Emily Delzell

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, May, 2019 | Leave a comment

HHS updates federal physical activity guidelines

The new federal physical activity guidelines include the first-ever recommendations for children aged 3 to 5 years, as well as updated guidelines for older kids. Here, we cover what you need to know about the new advice and offer tips from experts to help kids with lower extremity conditions get and stay active.

By Keith Loria

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, December, 2018 | Leave a comment

Transitions: Helping kids make the leap to adult care

In healthcare, transition refers to planning for and making the move from child to adult services. When the process isn’t managed well, young adults can fall into gaps in care and declining function, health, and quality of life. Transition takes provider time and energy, but reimbursement is available.

By Emily Delzell

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, December, 2018 | Leave a comment

Understanding the ‘odd gait’ of autism

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often described as “uncoordinated” or “clumsy” and many have clear motor control impairments. Early intervention to address motor deficits may improve physical skills and the difficulties with social functioning that are the hallmark of the disorder.

By Keith Loria

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, August, 2018 | Leave a comment

Connecting with patients can improve outcomes

Building bonds with patients and their families, as well as a deeper understanding of their day-to-day lives, gives practitioners insight they can use to create a management plan that everyone can embrace. Experts offer advice on connecting, and weigh in on the management challenges and opportunities of hand-held tech.

By Shalmali Pal

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Posted in 2018, Pediatric Feature, August | Leave a comment

Management of Joint Hypermobility

Joint hypermobility, often discovered when clinicians evaluate kids for another lower extremity issue, can cause pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that lead children to avoid exercise and drop out of sports. Hypermobile joints can also increase risk for traumatic injuries and for adult musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis.

By Keith Loria

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, May, 2018 | Leave a comment

Concussion and lower extremity injury

As in adults, youth athletes who sustain a concussion increase their chances of experiencing a lower extremity injury, and the rise in risk can last for at least a year. Researchers are investigating the reasons underlying the connection, as well as trying to answer the crucial question: when is it safe for athletes to return to play?

By Jill R. Dorson

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, May, 2018 | Leave a comment

Update: Orthotic care and physical therapy for DMD

Lower extremity interventions can help boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) stay ambulatory for years—and improve outcomes in the condition’s nonambulatory phase.  Devices can address con­tractures and other issues, while stretching programs are key to maintaining flexibility.

By Hank Black

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, February, 2018 | Leave a comment

Media, toys, and games for kids with disabilities

Children use toys and media characters to spark their imaginations and cast themselves as the star of their own stories. Through play, they connect with other kids and dream about their future. Options are few, however, for kids who wear a device or otherwise look “different” to see themselves reflected during play.

By Jill R. Dorson

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, February, 2018 | Leave a comment

Cutting edge: Treatment for kids goes high tech

From a skateboard-like motion-sensing device that helps infants with CP learn to crawl to powered exoskeletons that sync with muscles to new advanced-imaging views of motor and sensory processing, technology for pediatric care is on the move. Here are some of the highlights.

By Hank Black

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, November, 2017 | Leave a comment