What to Expect

If you are scheduled to visit with the orthopedics team – for a test, a procedure or surgery – you'll want to come prepared.

In this section, we'll help you understand what to expect before, during and after a visit and get the answers to some common questions.

Orthopedics Clinic

You most likely have many questions about Seattle Children's and how to prepare your child for a clinic visit. Get more information about your child's clinic visit, including:

• Important things to do before the appointment
• Tips on helping your child feel safer about the upcoming visit
• Paperwork to remember the day of the appointment
• Suggested questions to ask your child's doctor
• How to prepare for care at home

What happens during a clinic visit?

After check-in, a medical assistant will take you and your child to an exam room. Next, depending on the reason for the visit, different members of the orthopedics team of providers will see your child.

Your child's doctor may order some tests, such as an X-ray, CT (computed tomography) scan, ultrasound and/or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. 

Sometimes, we have children go to the lab to give a blood sample or to the cast room to have a cast or splint applied or removed. Your child may need follow-up clinic visits and possibly more testing.

Surgery

Preparing your child and yourselves for surgery may help reduce your family's stress during this time.

Our team is committed to helping children who need surgery and their families cope well with the experience. We want you to know what's going to happen each step of the way.

Learn more about what to expect if your child is having surgery, including:

• What to do once surgery is scheduled
• Tips to help your child feel safer about the surgery
• What to bring the day of surgery
• What to expect the day of surgery
• Helpful questions to ask your child's doctor
• How to prepare for care at home

Find out what you need to know about your child's stay at Seattle Children's, including:

• Things to do before your child's arrival
• Preparing your child for a hospital stay
• What to expect during your child's stay
• Helpful questions to ask your child's doctor
• Information to help you after your child has been discharged