Your Child’s Orthopedic Center Visit
Let Us Help Make Your Visit Easy
Since 1940 when the pediatric orthopedic Alfred I duPont Institute first opened its doors in Wilmington, we’ve been at the forefront of children’s health care. Today, ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ Children’s Hospital, Delaware builds upon this rich legacy. We offer world-renowned orthopedic programs and services that continue to set the standard of care for kids everywhere.
Our orthopedics care extends throughout the Delaware Valley region. From our main hospital campus in Wilmington to our satellite specialty locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, we make it easy to access excellent care, close to home.
When you come to ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ Children's, we want you to feel at home. Learn more about our extensive network of care designed with families in mind.
ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ Children’s Hospital, DelawareÌý
We offer complete pediatric orthopedic services and support at our main hospital in Wilmington.Ìý
Advanced Imaging Ìý•ÌýGait Analysis Laboratory •ÌýOrthopedic Specialist VisitsÌý•ÌýOrthopedic Surgeries & ProceduresÌý• Emergency CareÌý•ÌýCasting Services • Orthotics & Prosthetics Labs •ÌýOrthopedic TraumaÌý•ÌýRehabilitation Services Ìý(Inpatient & Outpatient)Ìý•ÌýSupport Services •ÌýAdvanced Delivery ProgramÌý
Sports Medicine Facilities
°¿³Ü°ùÌýRiverfront FieldhouseÌýteam helps student athletes recover from injury and improve performance.Ìý
Specialist VisitsÌý•ÌýConcussion EvaluationÌý•ÌýSports Injury RehabÌý•ÌýPlaying Fields & CourtsÌý•ÌýTransition TherapyÌý•ÌýAthletic TrainingÌý•ÌýSpeed & Running Performance
We also offerÌýsports medicine careÌýat ourÌýDeptfordÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýMalvernÌýsatellite locations.Ìý
OrthopedicÌýRehabilitationÌý
Orthopedic rehab at our mainÌýRiverfront FieldhouseÌýfacility is state-of-the-art.Ìý
Assistive Device TrainingÌý•ÌýAthletic TrainingÌý•ÌýCerebral Palsy TherapyÌý•ÌýDevelopmental Delay InterventionsÌý•ÌýFracture RecoveryÌý•ÌýGait TrainingÌý•ÌýHand TherapyÌý•ÌýLimb Difference TherapiesÌý•ÌýPostsurgery RehabÌý•ÌýScoliosis ManagementÌý•ÌýSports Injury RehabÌý•ÌýCasting Services
Outpatient rehab servicesÌýare also available at our satellite locations inÌýDeptfordÌý(including an underwater treadmill),ÌýMalvern, andÌýBroomall. Ìý
Plan Your VisitÌý
We want your family to feel comfortable coming here. Learn a little more about what to expect during certain visits and how to find a convenient location for the care you need.Ìý
Imaging: What to Expect
We offer X-rays and advanced imaging at the hospital and other ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ locations in the region. Our commitment to safety is unmatched. Our imaging techniques provide the highest accuracy, with the lowest exposure to radiation. We offer:
- Radiologists with special training and expertise in pediatric radiology and musculoskeletal imaging.
- ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles, only performing imaging that’s necessary, using the lowest dose of radiation and the highest level of protections.
- Low dose imaging using leading-edge technologies that protect growing bodies.
- EOS imaging with full-body, weight-bearing 2D and 3D images using less radiation.
- Ultrasound imaging for assessing joints and soft tissues without radiation.
- 3D CT scanning, offering detailed images with less radiation than traditional CT, used for diagnostics and surgical planning.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for detailed images of bones, joints, and soft tissue without radiation.
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Find CareÌý
- X-ray imaging is available at our main hospital and satellite locations in Deptford, Milford, Malvern, Glen Mills, and Broomall.
- Ultrasound imaging is available at our main hospital and satellite locations in Deptford, Milford, and Malvern.Ìý
- CT imaging is available at our main hospital.
- MRI is available at our main hospital and satellite location in Deptford.
Getting a Cast: What to Expect
Our orthopedic team has extensive experience applying and managing casts for children of all ages. Whether it’s for a broken bone or part of postsurgical care, we use child-friendly methods and materials designed for comfort, safety, and healing.
What to Expect During Casting
Our team will:
- Explain the process to you and your child before we begin.
- Use materials designed to be lightweight and breathable.
- Offer color choices to make the cast experience less stressful.
- Make sure the cast fits properly and doesn’t interfere with movement.
- Provide cast care instructions before you leave.
Cast Care at Home
- Keep the cast dry unless told otherwise.
- Don’t insert objects into the cast (to scratch or for any reason).
- Watch for signs of tightness, pain, swelling, or skin irritation.
- Contact us if you notice foul smells, cracks, or loosening.
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Find Care
We offer casting services at our main hospitalÌýand satellite locations in Malvern, Broomall, Glen MillsÌý, Riverfront Fieldhouse, and Milford.
Custom Orthotics & Bracing: What to Expect
We offer on-site orthotics and prosthetics services tailored to children with orthopedic needs at our main hospital location. Our specialists work closely with orthopedic physicians to design and fit braces and orthotic devices that support healing and mobility.
Services We Provide
- Custom orthotics for limb alignment and support.
- Postsurgical bracing.
- Foot orthotics to support walking and balance.
- Spinal orthoses (braces) for scoliosis and spinal care.
- Adjustments and repairs as your child grows.
Working With Our Team
- Evaluations happen during your clinic visit or hospital stay.
- Devices are custom-made and fitted to your child.
- We educate you on wear and care.
- Follow-ups are scheduled to ensure proper fit and function.
Orthopedic Surgery: What to Expect
When your child has surgery, whether it’s an outpatient procedure or a highly complex reconstruction, you will have questions. We’re here to answer them. Your care team will tell you everything you need to know. Here’s some information about our facilities and the process you can expect.
About Our Surgical Services
We perform surgery at ourÌýmain hospitalÌýand outpatient surgery at our satellite locations inÌýDeptford,Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌýMalvern.
When you’re at ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ Children’s Hospital, Delaware, our surgical services area is located on the second floor. It features:
- Large operating rooms designed to house accessory equipment and coordinated procedures.
- Advanced surgical capabilities including surgical navigation and intraoperative CT imaging.
- Ample natural lighting inside the operating rooms.
- Spacious, comfortable waiting areas for families.
- Outdoor Healing Garden located nearby.
Before Surgery: What to Expect
Before surgery, we’ll:
- Walk you through the day of surgery in a dedicated preoperative visit
- Schedule needed preoperative tests and evaluations.
- Go over any dietary restrictions.
- Tell you medications your child needs to stop or continue.
- Tell you how long to expect to stay after surgery (overnight, inpatient, or outpatient).
Your Child’s Surgery: What to Expect
On the day of surgery, we’ll:
- Have you arrive at a scheduled time before your child’s surgery.
- Ask you to check in on the second floor.
- Invite you to stay with your child up to the operation.
- Show you the second floor surgery waiting room during surgery.
- Update you throughout the procedure.
After Surgery: What to Expect
After surgery, we’ll:
- Bring you to your child in the recovery area.
- Make sure your child’s pain is controlled.
- Monitor and care for your child’s surgery wounds.
- Use opioid-free pain methods when possible, like regional pain blocks.
- Begin inpatient rehab, often the same day.Ìý
- Take you to a private room if your child is staying overnight. Ìý
Before Discharge: What to Expect
Before you go home, we’ll:
- Tell you what medicines your child will need and how to give them.
- Provide detailed instructions on home care.
- Schedule your child’s follow-up appointments.
- Go over your child’s rehabilitation plan.
- Tell you what signs or complications to watch for.
Recovery & Support: What to Expect
During recovery, we’ll:
- Go over expectations and recovery milestones specific to your child’s procedure.
- Tell you when your child can return to normal activities.
- Connect you to related support services to assist with coping and healing.
Overnight Stays: What to Expect
When your child stays overnight at ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ Children’s Hospital, Delaware you can trust that your family is in good hands. Our skilled staff has deep experience working with children with the most complex orthopedic conditions.
Hospital Features
- Private rooms with private bathrooms
- Large windows for healing sunlight
- Comfortable space for a parent to sleep
- Room for family togetherness and activities
- Park-like, garden setting
- Ample free parking
Services & Expertise
- Inpatient care team with specific orthopedic expertise
- Inpatient rehabilitation services
- Child Life therapies
- Animal-assisted activities
- Social work support
- Language/interpretation services
- Pastoral care
What to Bring
- Comfort item, like a favorite toy or blanket
- Book or magazine
- Computer or tablet for entertainment
- Snacks and water bottle
- Pajamas
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- Pillow from home
- Slippers
- Chargers for devices
- Small games or activities
- Needed medications