Fracture Clinic

Phoenix Children’s Fracture Clinics are designed so that your child will receive an evaluation, imaging if needed, diagnosis and personalized treatment plan all in one visit. Our care team has years of experience working with children and is committed to caring for broken bones with empathy and compassion.

Here’s what to expect:

  • When you arrive, one of our medical assistants will ask you questions about your child’s medical history and health. If your child is wearing a splint, the medical assistant will gently remove it if the fracture is stable.
  • If your child had images taken at another facility, our care team can access them or help you obtain them. The radiology technicians on staff can also take X-rays during your child’s clinic appointment. Please bring any imaging that you have access to with you to your appointment to optimize treatment.
  • A physician or physician assistant will evaluate your child and provide a diagnosis. They will also pay close attention to bone health. If an underlying bone health issue is suspected, our team of experts will discuss recommendations related to nutrition or supplements, conduct additional tests or refer your child to an endocrinologist for further evaluation.
  • Orthopedic technicians are on hand to fit your child with a splint, cast, brace or boot to help immobilize the fracture if necessary.

 

The goal of treatment is to control the pain, help the bone heal and prevent complications so your child can use the fractured area again normally.

Treatment may include:

  • A splint, cast, brace or boot which keeps the broken bone in place while it heals. Immobilizing the fracture is the most common treatment method used by our specialists. Depending on the severity of the fracture, immobilization could be as short as three weeks. When possible, our team uses immobilization methods that can be removed to make it easier for your child to shower or take a bath. Waterproof casts can also help your child maintain normal activity.
  • Certain medicines which can ease pain.
  • Surgery, which may be necessary to put certain types of broken bones back into place. Our pediatric fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons may put metal rods, pins, plates or screws inside the bone or outside the body to hold the bone pieces in place. This helps the bone heal in the correct position.
  • If the fracture is severe, long-term care and rehabilitation, including physical therapy or occupational therapy, may be necessary. You can count on our care team to help you navigate the next steps.