Orthopedic impairment is a condition that affects a child’s bones, joints, or muscles, making it hard for them to learn and do things at school. It can be caused by birth defects or conditions like cerebral palsy.
Orthopedic impairment is a condition that affects a child’s bones, joints, or muscles, making it hard for them to learn and do things at school. It can be caused by birth defects or conditions like cerebral palsy.
How do orthopedic impairments affect a person's daily life?
Orthopedic impairments can make it difficult for a person to move around, carry out daily activities, and live a full life. They may require the use of assistive devices, medications, physical therapy, or other interventions.
Can orthopedic impairments be treated or managed?
Yes, many orthopedic impairments can be treated or managed through a combination of treatments, including surgery, physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices.
What is the role of physical therapy in managing orthopedic impairments?
Physical therapy is often an important component of managing orthopedic impairments. It can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, reducing pain and improving quality of life.
Orthopedic impairment (OI) is a severe disability characterized by bone, joint, or muscle impairments that significantly limit a child’s ability to access education and participate in school activities. These impairments may result from congenital anomalies, diseases, or other causes. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 0.1% of students aged 3-21 receiving special education services in the United States have an orthopedic impairment as their primary disability.
Helpful Resources:
https://www.understood.org/
https://www.parentcenterhub.org/
https://www.cdc.gov/
Children with orthopedic impairments may exhibit a range of symptoms depending on their condition’s underlying cause and severity. Some common signs include:
Symptoms can vary widely from child to child and may change over time as the condition progresses or improves with treatment.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Abnormal gait | Walking with a limp or shuffling feet |
| Fatigue | Tiring easily due to extra effort required to move |
| Muscle contractures | Tight muscles that limit joint movement |
