RESUMO
Pediatric and adolescent patients frequently are seen in the outpatient practices of general orthopaedic surgeons. Orthopaedic conditions may be a challenge to diagnose and manage in pediatric and adolescent patients. To avoid complications, general orthopaedic surgeons should understand current diagnostic techniques, evaluation methods, and treatment options for orthopaedic spine, hip, and lower extremity conditions that are common in pediatric and adolescent patients. General orthopaedic surgeons should understand the indications for surgical treatment in this patient population. In addition, general orthopaedic surgeons must understand methods to accurately, efficiently, and safely evaluate and manage orthopaedic conditions in pediatric and adolescent patients.