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Our Treatment Approach

A Treatment Approach Unique to Your Child

We will tailor your child's team of physicians and specialists to suit their individualized needs. Designing this personalized plan is important to us because we believe that your child deserves a care plan as unique and special as they are.

Pediatric Specialty Care at Shriners Children's St. Louis

At Shriners Children's St. Louis, we have a team of physicians and specialists who are highly trained and experienced in pediatric orthopedics. This team is equipped to treat children with a variety of different orthopedic conditions ranging from mild to complex. Other specialties you will find at our facility include limb lengthening and reconstruction, spine care, muscular and neuromuscular care, orthotics and prosthetics and plastic surgery.

Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction

Our Center for Advanced Pediatric Limb Reconstruction and Lengthening at Shriners Children's St. Louis includes a team of highly specialized orthopedic physicians and surgeons.

If your child requires limb care, our specialists will work with you to design a treatment plan that best suits their unique needs, lifestyle and condition. Our ultimate goal when it comes to your child's limb care is to improve their overall function, mobility and independence.

Spine Care

Our team of pediatric orthopedic specialists provide treatment for a variety of spine conditions. Our individualized treatment plans include some of the most advanced and innovative techniques available in surgical and non-surgical spine care.

If your child has a spine condition, our team will work with you to develop a plan that covers all aspects of their care, including surgery, rehabilitation, treatment and emotional support.

Muscular and Neuromuscular Conditions

Muscular and neuromuscular conditions are an extension of orthopedic care that often requires more complex treatment approaches. Conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida are some examples of complex neuromuscular conditions that require a high level of both physical and neurological care.

If your child has a muscular or neuromuscular condition, developing a care plan will involve a carefully selected and well-rounded team of specialists. Your child's team may include neurosurgeons, urologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals. Following a comprehensive assessment, we will develop a customized care plan for your child that addresses their specific needs.

Orthopedic Care

Our orthopedic department includes board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeons, physicians and other specialists, many of whom have come to our hospital from the Washington University School of Medicine Department of Orthopedics.

If your child requires treatment for an orthopedic condition, Shriners Children's St. Louis is an exceptional facility for their care. We provide your child with all aspects of inpatient and outpatient care, which can include surgery, rehabilitation, treatment and emotional support.

Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services

The Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) team is devoted to designing braces, prosthetic arms and legs, and adaptive devices that give children the ability to pursue their dreams.

When you and your child visit our POPS team, it is more than measurements and mechanics. It is about your child sharing their individual hopes and dream. These personalized details about your child's activities and lifestyle allow our technicians to return to the lab and design a perfect fit just for them.

Plastic Surgery

Our specialists perform plastic surgery for congenital abnormalities, skin wounds, scars, disfigurements caused by burns or accidents and a variety of other conditions.

If your child requires plastic surgery for their condition, our specialists will work with you to develop an individualized plan that focuses on providing them with the best outcome possible. If for any reason we aren't able to treat your child's condition at our St. Louis location, we will work with you to try to find another hospital in the Shriners network that can perform their surgery.

What You Can Expect

Before Your Visit

Prior to your initial visit, we will ask you to provide us with your child’s medical records and any insurance information. For details on what is required, please visit our Patient Information page.

During Your Visit

You’ll typically begin with a visit to our clinic. Here, we will evaluate your child and work with you to design a customized treatment plan.

After Your Visit

Following the clinical evaluation and care plan development, you and your child will be introduced to their individualized team of specialists. Depending on the plan, your team may include social workers, registered nurses, child life specialists, dieticians, occupational therapists, physical therapists and therapeutic recreation consultants. Procedures or follow-up appointments will be booked with members from your child’s team of specialists according to their care plan.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to ensuring your child thrives at home, school and in their community. This includes providing your family with the highest quality of care, access to our in-house clinical services, traditional inpatient services and any other professional support services related to your child’s treatment plan.

We Understand the Unique Medical Needs of Children

We provide vital, pioneering treatment from birth to age 18. Here, children have the opportunity to be evaluated and treated by doctors recognized as the best by their peers.