From Athlete to Caring Pediatric Orthopedic PA

From Athlete to Caring Pediatric Orthopedic PA 

As an elite level gymnast, competitive cheerleader and track competitor, Jordan Hood, MS, PA-C, sustained multiple orthopedic injuries and visited her pediatric orthopedic specialist and athletic trainers quite frequently. 

Witnessing firsthand the collaborative approach of medical professionals, she was inspired to pursue a career in the field of medicine.  

Hood is now a Board Certified PA practicing in the pediatric orthopedic specialty. She’s passionate about providing compassionate care to her young patients.  

“I enjoy the continuity of care and following patients as they develop and grow,” Hood said. “I think I am able to provide a unique perspective as a previous high-level athlete as well as a parent to a young child now.”  

Hood said she takes a holistic approach to patient care, considering children’s physical, emotional and social needs. She prioritizes open communication, tailoring her approach to each child’s developmental stage. By creating a supportive environment, she aims to alleviate anxiety and ensure children feel heard and understood. 

Can you describe some common orthopedic conditions you see in children and how you manage them non-surgically?  

Children can experience a variety of orthopedic injuries; however, I most commonly treat fractures and injuries. The most common pediatric orthopedic fractures occur in the wrist, forearm and elbow. I manage distal radius fractures, both bone forearm fractures and supracondylar humerus fractures daily. Thankfully, children are remarkable healers compared to adults.  

When is surgery necessary for a pediatric orthopedic condition?  

Depending on the severity of the condition or injury, surgical intervention may be required to correct a deformity or stabilize the bones. Displaced fractures or those involving the growth plate may necessitate surgical intervention to achieve optimal bone alignment. For conditions like bowlegs or knock-knees, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. Leg length discrepancies resulting from congenital conditions or growth plate complications can also necessitate surgical intervention. Children with complex knee injuries, such as ACL or MCL tears, may require reconstructive surgery. In cases of severe scoliosis, spinal fusion may be necessary to fuse the spine and correct the deformity. 

How do you help prepare children and their families for surgery, both emotionally and practically?  

Providing supplemental information and open communication can be crucial for both patients and families. Discussing surgery in an age-appropriate manner, using drawings or pictures, can be particularly helpful. It’s essential to be honest and provide clear, realistic expectations before surgery, including pain management, restrictions, post-operative follow-up schedules, and potential school absences. Encouraging patients to ask questions, even via electronic communication, can alleviate concerns. Addressing patients’ feelings and concerns and explaining the “why” behind the surgery in a comprehensible way, is also important. Using resources like books or videos to demonstrate the hospital experience can be beneficial. 

It’s crucial to recognize the anxieties of parents and caregivers during a child’s surgery. Validating their emotions and offering a listening ear can be just as important as addressing the child’s concerns. 

What are some of the biggest concerns parents typically have about their child’s orthopedic condition? How do you address them?  

Parents often worry about their child’s diagnosis and treatment. I provide clear information about the diagnosis, treatment plan, potential outcomes, and pain management strategies. I discuss the risks and benefits of various treatment options, including surgery and non-operative care. I also address parents’ concerns about potential deformities in fractures, explaining the natural healing process and showing examples of successful outcomes. By providing clear information and addressing concerns, I aim to empower parents and build trust in our collaborative approach to their child’s care. 

How do you work with parents and other health care providers to ensure a coordinated approach to a child’s recovery?  

Effective communication is essential for coordinated care. Many pediatric orthopedic patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and orthotics/prosthetics. By maintaining clear communication and collaboration with all team members, we can ensure that our patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care. 

What are some exciting advancements in pediatric orthopedic surgery that might benefit future patients?  

3D printing technology and models are being implemented in pediatric orthopedic surgery, showing promise in improving outcomes and aiding in deformity corrections. 3D printing allows for the fabrication of custom, anatomically conformed implants for individual patients. 3D printed models have been shown to assist in planning deformity correction surgery and can shorten surgery time. 3D printing has the potential to significantly impact pediatric orthopedics, and I am eager to see how it will transform the treatment of certain pathologies. 

What advice would you give to parents who suspect their child might have a pediatric orthopedic condition?  

Initially, children with potential orthopedic conditions should be evaluated by their pediatrician. The pediatrician can assess the condition and determine if referral to a pediatric orthopedic specialist is necessary. 

For injuries, parents should monitor for symptoms such as pain, decreased mobility, or difficulty participating in activities. If a child cannot bear weight after an injury or has a visible deformity, they should be evaluated by a pediatric orthopedic specialist. 

For chronic conditions, parents may request a referral to a pediatric orthopedic specialist for evaluation, treatment, and education. 

What are some resources you recommend for parents who want to learn more about pediatric orthopedic conditions?  

For reliable information on pediatric orthopedic conditions and injury prevention, I recommend visiting the websites of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America – OrthoKids – and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – OrthoInfo. 

Jordan Hood, MS, PA-C is a Board Certified Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) and instructor in the Pediatric Orthopedic Department at Oregon Health and Science University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Additionally, she serves as an NCCPA PA Ambassador and is Chair of the Mentorship Committee for The National Society of Black Physician Assistants. She also assists with NCCPA’s CAQ exam forms review and item writing.  Hood is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates and Pediatric Orthopaedic Practitioners Society.