Questions to Ask about Your Child’s Fracture and Trauma Appointment
Our doctors encourage asking questions at your appointment. The answers can help you and your child understand what you’ll need to do to actively participate in their recovery journey. Common questions include:
- Will my child need surgery to treat the fracture? If so, what are the risks of this procedure?
- Will my child need to wear a cast during recovery? For how long?
- Based on our lifestyle and activities, what cast care tips do you recommend for my child and me to keep in mind?
- Are there any activities my child should avoid during recovery?
- What does follow-up care involve?
- What are emergency signs that I should look for between now and the next visit?
- How can I help my child manage any pain during recovery?
- Will this injury impact my child’s future growth or mobility in any way?
Questions about the History of the Injury
- How did your child get injured?
- When did your child get injured?
- What are the symptoms?
- What type of pain does your child have?
- When does the pain occur?
- What steps have you taken to relieve the pain?
- Have you taken your child to the emergency room, or to see other doctors?
Subhead: Questions about Medical History
- Does your child have allergies to any medications or foods?
- Does your child currently take medication for a health condition or illness unrelated to the injury?
- Does your child have any medical conditions? Or have they had a medical condition in the past?
- Has your child injured this body part, or had a similar injury, before?
Questions about Fracture Treatment
- What happens during these treatments?
- What are the benefits of each treatment? What are the risks?
- Which treatment do you recommend, and why?
- Will my child need surgery?
- What will happen during surgery, and what happens immediately afterward?
- How soon can my child come home after surgery?
Questions about Casts
- How long will my child need to be in a cast or brace?
- Will my child need a sling, or a wheelchair, crutches, or walker?
- Do you have any tips on cast care?
- How can I help my child relieve itching caused by the cast?
Questions about Recovering from Fractures
- What are the best options for pain management during my child’s recovery?
- How long will it take for the fracture to heal completely?
- How often will my child need to return for follow-up visits during and after recovery?
- What about managing pain and discomfort?
- What can I do at home to aid in my child’s recovery?
- Are there any activities my child should avoid while recovering?
- When can my child return to sports and normal activities?
- Do you have any advice about how I can help my child go back to school with a cast?
Learn more about The Ahmanson Foundation Fracture Care Center