Resources for children coming to the orthopaedic clinic (for broken bones)

Taking care of your child's cast

In the information below you will find the Starship Cast Care handout as well as a video from the Starship Children's Emergency Department that covers the main things you need to do to care for your child's cast.

You can view a transcript of this video here.

Information brochures

Download a copy of our orthopaedic information brochures here:

• Cast care

• Safe use of crutches

• Skin care while in a cast

• Cast care activity sheet

• How do bones heal?

• K-wire removal for arm fractures

Coming to fracture clinic

When you come to fracture clinic at Starship, the receptionists will check to make sure your address and contact details are up to date.

Some common procedures in fracture clinic:

• Having a bivalve

  • A bivalve is the name used for having your cast cut into two halves. This usually happens when you have a cast change or your cast removed.

• Having an x-ray

  • The most common procedure when you come to fracture clinic, is having an x-ray to see how well your bones are healing.

• K-wire removal for arm fractures

  • K-wires are put in during surgery to help hold a broken bone in place while it is healing. If your child has had k-wires put in during surgery, the wires will be removed three to four weeks later at the outpatient fracture clinic at Starship.

  • View the 'K-wire removal' brochure to find out more about what to expect when you come to your appointment.

Seeing the doctor

As part of your visit to outpatients, you will have an appointment with one of our doctors. The doctor will check that your broken bones are healing well, and it is a good opportunity to ask any questions you might have. 

Starship Child Health is also a teaching facility. This means that doctors sometimes have medical students present during their clinics. If you would prefer not to have students present during your appointment, please inform a member of the staff.