As podiatric physicians, we have the luxury of treating all systems of the complex human body and all types of patients; however, most foot and ankle conditions seen by most practitioners pertain to adults. This issue of the Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery is dedicated to a different patient population —that of the pediatric patient. Children are often misunderstood and may not want to talk to the doctor. They may be afraid or intimidated or they may be playing a game without explaining the rules. Often, we forget what it is like to be a child as we run behind in the office and get caught up in the self-fulfilling importance of our “adult world.” In our attempt to tackle potentially complicated deformities on such a small foot, we may often find ourselves afraid or intimidated because treating the newborn, toddler, child, or even adolescent can be a relatively new task to conquer.
Then we deal with the parents. As the father of two remarkable children, Rachel and Jared, I can personally speak of the challenges of raising young children (the never-ending question Why?, the negotiations, the “art” of testing your patience, and the dreaded bedtime come to mind). But all the while, our children are our souls; what wouldn't parents do for their child? As doctors, we need to realize that the role of the parent is not exclusively that of a decision maker. There is a valuable psychologic role we play when treating the child and the parent.
This issue of the Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery deals with the complexity of children, whether dealing with the approach to the patient or to the examination itself. The deformities encountered can be the same as in the adult, but the complexity can be overwhelming. The dilemmas in this issue are tackled to offer new approaches to old problems. Nationally and internationally respected authors of all backgrounds have contributed in their specific areas of expertise. Some authors offer us a simplified approach and treatment, whereas others offer insight into new and potentially controversial techniques. This issue also looks into the minds of some of the field's most experienced surgeons through a round table discussion of a variety of pediatric cases.
I would like to thank each of the authors who contributed to this text. Their dedication to teaching and furthering our abilities takes a strong desire and countless hours. Each of the authors contributed to my development and I trust they will offer each of you some insight into the pediatric patient. To my wife and children, I thank you for allowing me to spend the countless hours away from you while compiling this project.
FULL TEXT
As podiatric physicians, we have the luxury of treating all systems of the complex human body and all types of patients; however, most foot and ankle conditions seen by most practitioners pertain to adults. This issue of the Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery is dedicated to a different patient population —that of the pediatric patient. Children are often misunderstood and may not want to talk to the doctor. They may be afraid or intimidated or they may be playing a game without explaining the rules. Often, we forget what it is like to be a child as we run behind in the office and get caught up in the self-fulfilling importance of our “adult world.” In our attempt to tackle potentially complicated deformities on such a small foot, we may often find ourselves afraid or intimidated because treating the newborn, toddler, child, or even adolescent can be a relatively new task to conquer.