Orthopaedic Trauma Program

The Orthopaedic Trauma Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides expert evaluation and treatment of all musculoskeletal injuries of the limb and spine. The orthopaedic surgeons are part of a specialized team that practices in the first accredited pediatric Level I Trauma Center in eastern Pennsylvania.

Our team, which includes pediatric surgeons, neurosurgeons, emergency physicians, nurses and pediatric anesthesiologists, cares for thousands of injured children each year.

Your child's fracture and other musculoskeletal injury requires specialized treatment. The rate of healing in children is different than in adults; and if your child injures a growth plate, it can cause long-term problems.

In addition to the urgent treatment of orthopaedic injuries, the Orthopaedic Trauma Program provides continuing care until your injured child functions as fully at possible. As an outpatient with the Orthopaedic Trauma Program, your child will benefit from many specialized services. They include:

  • Expert on-site radiologic and diagnostic services. This includes X-rays, CT scans, bone scans, MRIs and low-dose EOS imaging.
  • An onsite cast room. Staffed by orthopaedic technicians experienced in working with injured children, the cast room is equipped with supplies to service even our smallest patients.
  • An in-house brace shop. The orthotists from National Orthotics and Prosthetics Company (NOPCO) work closely with our orthopaedic team to design custom braces for injured children.
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitative services. Rehabilitative experts are available at the Hospital and our outpatient locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey to provide any therapy needed to maximize rehabilitation for your child.

The orthopaedic trauma team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia frequently sees children for second opinions immediately following injuries. We also address long-term problems relating to the injury. Members of the group have extensive experience in dealing with long-term problems after trauma, including growth arrest or limb malalignment.


Next Steps
Appointments and Referrals