Ahmanson Foundation Fracture Center

The Ahmanson Foundation Fracture Center at Luskin Orthopedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC), opened in 2020, is one of the largest pediatric orthopedic fracture centers in the nation. Our team of pediatric orthopedic specialists provide the expert, award-winning care children need to heal from broken bones and continue growing normally, without disruption.

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs your child may have a broken bone include:

• Pain and swelling in the injured area
• Inability to move the injured arm, leg, or joint
• Pain when walking or putting weight on the affected area
• Bruising or deformed shape at the injured area

Treatment and Recovery

Fractures are quite common in childhood. If you believe your child may have a fracture, you should see a specialist as soon as possible so your child can get properly diagnosed and treated. A broken bone will need to be stabilized and protected. Without the right treatment, there’s a chance your child could lose range of motion, develop arthritis or chronic pain, or develop a permanent deformity or disability.

Healing time can vary based on the severity of the fracture and other factors, but children’s bones often heal faster than adult bones. On average, it takes about 4 to 8 weeks for fractures to heal.

As LA’s experts at treating broken bones in children, our care begins with urgent care diagnosis and spans the entire recovery process. This includes:

• Initial treatment at LuskinOIC’s Pediatric Orthopedic Urgent Care Center
• Specialized care at the Ahmanson Foundation Fracture Center at LuskinOIC
• Onsite diagnostic tests and imaging, including X-rays
• Non-surgical and surgical treatment
• Casting and cast care, if needed
• Physical rehabilitation, if needed
• Follow-up care throughout recovery, including the use of telehealth

Your child’s treatment plan for fractures will have three main goals:

1. Reduce pain
2. Line up the broken bone and set it correctly
3. Help your child regain normal range of motion in the injured area

Here’s what to expect during fracture treatment at LuskinOIC:

• If the bone is out of place, our specialists will realign the bone first.
• Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, our specialist might recommend a brace, splint, or cast to protect a fracture while it heals and reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasms.

For proper recovery, our specialist may prescribe pain medication, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments. It’s important for your child to follow all instructions to heal as quickly as possible.

Our Experts in Fractures

Mauricio Silva, MD

Emily Miller, MD

Patricia McKeever, MD