Orthopedics

Whether your child has a broken bone or fracture or has experienced pain or soreness from an activity or sport, the St. Luke's Orthopedic and Total Joint Center in St. Louis can help.

We are committed to providing pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients with the same level of care we provide all our patients, even if they come in smaller packages.

Below are some of the common questions we receive from our patients and may help you in making your decision to seek care.

Why is it important to select a physician familiar with pediatric injuries? Kids aren't just little adults, so they often need specialized treatments for injuries that are different from the treatments adults would get for the same injuries.

Ages we treat?
5 and older.

What conditions we treat?

• Sports injuries
• Fractures
• Overuse injuries
• Sprains
• Knee/hip/shoulder/elbow injuries

When to see a pediatric orthopedic physician after an injury?

• If pain/swelling doesn't go away after ice, elevation and over-the-counter medications.
• If you are referred to an orthopedic physician by an ER, Urgent care, school trainer, or primary care provider.
• If pain is limiting ability to participate in sports or other activities.
• If pain lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks despite appropriate treatment (rest, ice, compression, elevation, over the counter medications).

How do I know if my child has a broken bone?
If there is an obvious deformity of the injured area, it's pretty easy to tell. But some broken bones are more subtle. Inability to bear weight (or walking with a significant limp) is a warning sign. Inability to lift anything with an injured arm is also worrisome. The only definitive way to know if the bone is broken is to have x-rays taken.

What is an overuse injury and why do they occur in children?
Overuse injuries occur when repetitive activities cause damage to tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones). They are common in children who participate in sports and other activities, and are especially common in children who specialize in a single activity. Children with open growth plates are at particularly high risk because the growth plate is a "weak spot" in the bone.

Things my child can do to prevent injury?

• Be aware of and attentive to surroundings at all times.
• Avoid specialization in activities/sports. Specialization is not necessary to be successful in a sport and it can often lead to burnout and overuse injuries.
• Follow safety guidelines such as pitch counts, proper helmet use protocols, heat injury prevention recommendations, etc.
• Play with children who are the same age/size and ability level.

To connect with a pediatric orthopedic doctor in St. Louis, call our Physician Referral Service at 314-205-6060 or find an orthopedic doctor now.