Orthopaedic care for the growing child from infancy through adolescence PEDIATRIC ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE is the private practice of Andrew Chong, M.D., and is dedicated to the musculo-skeletal health of the growing child from infancy through adolescence.

The services performed by Dr. Chong and his staff include:

• Treatment of fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries in children and adolescents.
• Evaluation and treatment of sports injuries in children and adolescents, and preventive sports medicine.
• Management of congenital and developmental disorders in children and adolescents, including clubfoot, congenital hip dislocation, and scoliosis.

ANDREW CHONG, M.D. completed his training in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Singapore and the University of Manitoba in Canada. In 1977, he did additional specialty training in Pediatric Orthopaedics and Fractures as a Fellow at the renowned Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston, Mass. (of Harvard University), and has been practicing his specialty here in DuPage County since. He is a published author in professional journals, and is widely recognized for his contributions to the management of children's foot disorders.

His is certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an active member of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America.

Fractures in children
Children are not little adults, and fractures in children have to be treated differently from adults. Although most children's fractures heal with no problems, those involving growth areas of the skeleton (epiphyseal injuries) need specialized care because of the risk of growth disturbance leading to deformities. Moreover, fractures in children are commonly missed, because they occur frequently through cartilage (soft bone) and are not evident on x-rays.

At the Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute, fractures are treated by the latest techniques in casting and bracing. The more serious injuries that may require surgery are managed by Dr. Chong at Central DuPage Hospital, with its state-of-the-art Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine
Young athletes should be managed differently from adult athletes. Young athletes, during growth spurts, are prone to injury because the skeleton is growing faster than the ability of the tendons to stretch, leading to avulsion injuries at the bone-tendon junction. Also, the demands of organized sports lead to overuse syndromes, causing problems like Osgood-Schlatter disease, Patello-femoral syndrome, Little-Leaguer's elbow, and shin splints, an unique to a growing athlete. At the Institute, young athletes are not just treated for their injuries, but are also evaluated morphologically and physiologically. Any malalignment or flexibility problems are addressed to prevent future injuries. It is the objective of the Institute not only to facilitate the athlete's return to the enjoyment of sports quickly, but also safely.

Foot and Leg Disorders
Foot and leg disorders and gait problems are very common in children and adolescents. In younger children, the common problems include intoeing, flatfeet, bowlegs, knock-knees, toe-walking and refusal to walk. In older children and adolescents, frequent problems are limping and knee pain, from synovitis patello-femoral syndrome, or slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Dr. Chong is the author of Is Your Child Walking Right? Parents' Guide to Little Feet, a practical book that has helped thousands of parents over the years. In the area of children's foot and leg disorders, Dr. Chong has distinguished himself as the inventor of the Wheaten Bracing System for intoeing in children, used widely by children's hospitals in the U.S. and abroad. This patented system of bracing replaces the older technique of repeated castings, and the shoes and bar method of treatment. Dr. Chong was also an orthopaedic consultant in children's footwear for the shoe industry and is uniquely qualified to give professional advice in this area.

Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia, which includes a whole spectrum of children's hip problems including congenital or developmental hip dislocation and subluxation, is a potentially serious problem unless diagnosed and treated early. Dr. Chong is one of few orthopaedic surgeons in the nation that personally uses ultrasound regularly in the office for the early diagnosis and management of hip dislocation in babies, thus avoiding x-rays and radiation exposure. He is also the developer of the Wheaton Harness (an improved version of the Pavlik Harness) for the treatment of this condition.

Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition of lateral curvature and rotation of the spine, and occurs frequently in older children and adolescents. Many curvatures need close observation only but some need special braces to control progression. For bracing to be effective, patient compliance is essential. Since this condition occurs at a sensitive period of an adolescent's life, caring communication is vital. At the Institute, Dr. Chong and the orthotist (the professional responsible for fabricating and adjusting the brace) are in close communication, so that any concerns can be addressed promptly.

OFFICE AND FINANCIAL POLICY

Appointments are made by calling (630) 529-7708 during regular office hours. Emergency calls after hours will be taken at (630) 682-2887.

Fees incurred will be explained to you, and payments for office treatments are expected at the time of service. We accept cash, personal checks, VISA, Mastercard, and Discover credit cards.

Insurance coverage you may have is a private arrangement between you and your insurance company. However, to assist you in getting timely insurance reimbursement, we provide you with a receipt that is coded for your insurance processing. Submit the receipt with your completed claim form and you will be reimbursed directly.

Managed care arrangements have been made with several area HMO/PPO plans. Please call to find out if we are contracted with your insurance plan.

Elective surgery fees will be discussed prior to the procedure. We will bill your insurance company but you will be responsible for paying any deductions, co-payments, and balance of charges.

Inquiries regarding office and financial policies may be directed to:

Donna Lichtfuss R.N, Manager