
SERVICES
Paediatric Orthopaedics
Paediatric Trauma
OVERVIEW
Paediatric trauma refers to injuries that affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and other components of the musculoskeletal system in children. This can result from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or other traumatic incidents. Children's growing bodies present unique challenges in treating these injuries, requiring specialized knowledge and skill.
Types of paediatric traumas:
- Fractures: Children are susceptible to fractures due to their active lifestyle. Fractures can range from simple to complex, and Dr du Plessis is adept at addressing these injuries with precision and care.
- Soft tissue injuries: Paediatric trauma often involves injuries to soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Growth plate injuries: As children's bones are still growing, they have growth plates that are vulnerable to injuries. Dr du Plessis has extensive experience in managing growth plate injuries to ensure proper growth and development.
Causes of paediatric trauma:
- Accidents and falls: Common in children, accidents and falls can lead to fractures, sprains, and other trauma. Dr du Plessis focuses on comprehensive evaluation and treatment to facilitate optimal recovery.
- Sports injuries: Active participation in sports can result in various musculoskeletal injuries. Dr du Plessis collaborates with young athletes to provide tailored treatment plans, promoting a swift return to their activities.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Trauma from motor vehicle accidents can be severe. Dr du Plessis is well-versed in managing complex injuries, employing both surgical and conservative approaches as needed.
- Conservative treatment: Non-surgical approaches such as casting, bracing, and physical therapy are utilized when appropriate. Dr du Plessis focuses on minimally invasive methods to promote natural healing and prevent long-term complications.
- Surgical intervention: In cases where surgery is necessary, Dr du Plessis utilizes advanced techniques to address fractures, correct deformities, and ensure optimal healing. His surgical expertise is coupled with a commitment to minimizing the impact on a child's growing body.
FAQ
PUBLICATIONS
Assessment of the Reliability and Reproducibility of the Langenskiöld
Classification in Blount’s Disease
DU PLESSIS J, Firth GB, Robertson A. Assessment of the reliability and reproducibility of the Langenskiöld classification in Blount's disease. Journal of Pediatric orthopedics. Part B. 2019 Nov 12.
The Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on orthopaedic trauma admissions in a central academic hospital in Johannesburg
Foster M, Du Plessis J, Jansen van Vuuren M, Jingo M, Pietrzak JR. The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on orthopaedic trauma admissions in a central academic hospital in Johannesburg. SA Orthopaedic Journal. 2022;21(2):70-5.
Short term results following two stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection
DU PLESSIS, J et al. Short-term results following two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection. South African Orthopaedic Journal, [S.l.], v. 19, n. 2, p. 64-69, may 2020
Comparison of visual estimations of distal radius fracture radiographic parameters between different levels of orthopaedic doctors.
Naidoo V, Milner B, du Plessis J. SA Orthop J. 2025;24(1):26-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2309-8309/2025/v24n1a4
