Principles of management of musculoskeletal conditions in children and young people

Musculoskeletal symptoms and rheumatic conditions are common throughout childhood and adolescence. Age- and development-appropriate care and management of children and young people with such conditions is vital, acknowledging that they are NOT small adults! The major aspect of both paediatric and adolescent rheumatology care which differentiates it from adult care is the fact that children and young people are still growing, in contrast to the ageing and senescence which characterizes adult rheumatology. Growth must be considered in the global sense, incorporating cognitive and psychosocial growth as well as physical growth. Likewise, the reciprocal influences of growth and a chronic rheumatic condition should be considered when caring for young people with childhood-onset rheumatic disease. This chapter will detail the general principles of management of such symptomatology with primary reference to chronic conditions.

Key words: paediatric rheumatology, multidisciplinary team, childhood-onset rheumatic disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, outcome measures, drug therapy, non-drug management