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training in pediatric orthopedics — not a physician assistant or general orthopedist. This additional year of training gives orthopedic surgeons a better understanding of a child's anatomy and how it differs from that of an adult. It also allows the hospital's pediatric orthopedic surgeons to identify certain problems that may be more commonly overlooked by general orthopedic surgeons who are usually treating adults. "I recently saw a young patient who had already had two knee arthroscopies because of continuing knee pain," Dr. Priola says. "Both were performed by general orthopedic surgeons, who reported the scopes were normal. When the child came to me, I found she had increased femoral anteversion and increased external tibial torsion. I performed osteotomies to correct the rotation, and now, a year later, she is running and dancing with no knee pain." The staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Twin Cities also have an advantage in that they only work with children and adolescents — improving their ability to communicate effectively with children who cannot always verbalize what's wrong. "If you see adults 95 percent of the time, and suddenly a child enters your office, you won't be as comfortable treating that child as you would be if 100 percent of your patients were children," Dr. Priola says. Dr. Priola goes on to explain that by only having pediatric patients, he and his team can better learn all the idiosyncrasies that go along with treating children. "You learn to take your time," Dr. Priola says. "We take the time to talk with them to find out where they're tender. If they're hurting but can't tell you the exact spot, you learn to be extra careful with the exam." Conducting a comprehensive, full-body exam to rule out underlying medical conditions that could be causing pain is a crucial step in the team's evaluation. Their approach, expertise and reputation are a testament to their 94-year tradition of caring for children's orthopedic needs. IT TAKES A TEAM Shriners Hospitals for Children — Twin Cities' pediatric orthopedic experts work alongside social workers, nurses, radiologists and others who specialize in working with children. Pediatric physical and occupational therapists are available in house, allowing for convenient access to customized therapy plans. The hospital's Child Life department is a vital resource for improving quality of life for children who experience a lot of pain or emotional issues caused by their orthopedic injuries. "We call this our multidisciplinary team approach to care," Dr. Priola says. "The more we collaborate within our own hospital, the easier it is for our young patients and their families to access care that is thought- fully coordinated to prevent unnecessary travel or return trips." The children's hospital is a true community resource, taking in pediatric patients regardless of their ability to pay or insurance coverage. The sports medicine program plays its part in that vital work, continuing the philanthropic tradition of Shriners Hospitals for Children worldwide. For more information, visit twincitiesshrinershospital.org. n Michael J. Priola, DO, a board-certified pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon with Shriners Hospitals for Children — Twin Cities Partnering with Primary Care M A N Y PATIENTS SEEN at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Twin Cities come to the facility after a referral from an area pedia- trician. Maintaining open communication and partnership with referring physicians is a top priority, and work is continually underway to find better ways to collaborate and improve patient outcomes. "We communicate all medical informa- tion with primary care pediatricians via EHRs and make sure the pediatrician is in the loop about the patient's treatment plan and status each step of the way," says Michael Priola, DO, board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Twin Cities. "We may help diagnose or treat an underlying problem, but our referring physicians remain the child's main provider." M D N E W S .C O M /// M D N E W S M I N N E S O TA ■ 2 018 1 3

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