Sutter primary care doctors often refer children and adolescents with sprains, bone fractures and other orthopedic conditions to one of many Sutter orthopedic surgeons who have special expertise in dealing with young patients. When a condition is more severe, such as a congenital or developmental deformity or damage resulting from trauma, infants through adolescents are often referred for diagnosis and treatment to a Sutter pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Children's Center at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento.

Pediatric orthopedic services at Children's Center combine the skill and knowledge of the pediatric orthopedic surgeon with an interdisciplinary team of specialists. Depending on the condition, a child's team may include pediatric orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, rheumatologists, endocrinologists and other pediatric specialists. The care team also includes the special expertise of pediatric physical and occupational therapists, Child Life specialists, nurses and technicians.

In addition to receiving the highest level of care, children and families benefit from receiving diagnosis and treatment from professionals specifically trained to work with children in an environment geared to ensuring their comfort.

Find Out More

Patients generally receive referrals from their primary care doctors to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. To self-refer or learn more about pediatric orthopedic surgeons, go to the Physician Directory and select Pediatric Orthopedics from the drop-down menu under Physician Specialties. Clicking on a physician's name opens a profile, which offers more insight into the physician's areas of concentration.

For more information about orthopedic conditions affecting infants and children, see the following topics in our Health Information Library: Cerebral Palsy; Clubfoot; Congenital Hip Dislocation; Congenital Hip Dysplasia; Craniosynostosis; Developmental Hip Dysplasia; Flatfoot (Pes Planus); Hammer, Claw, and Mallet Toes; Hip Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger; Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis; Scoliosis; Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis; and Spina Bifida.

Additional information resources include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease (NIAMS) and the Arthritis Foundation.