Preparing for an appointment

If your child is injured, you may go straight to an emergency room or urgent care clinic. Depending on the severity of the break, the doctor who first examines your child may recommend a consultation with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.

What you can do

To prepare for your conversation with the doctor, you may want to write a quick list that includes:

• Your child's symptoms
• How the injury occurred
• Your child's key medical information, including any other medical problems and the names of all medications and vitamins he or she takes
• The sports or recreational activities in which your child regularly participates
• Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask:

• How did the injury happen?
• Where does it hurt?
• How much does it hurt?
• Does anything relieve the pain?
• Was there any pain in the affected area before the injury, such as during sports or recreational activity?
• What concerns do you have about your child's return to sports or play?
• Have there been previous fractures?