Enrique’s Story - Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children

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In April 2021, Enrique arrived at our Mexicali screening clinic with continuous foot pain and residual clubfoot deformity. Despite having undergone two previous surgeries in Mexico as an infant, his condition still limited his mobility and caused persistent discomfort. His family traveled hundreds of miles to reach us after hearing about LuskinOIC from a former patient—a testament to the hope our International Children’s Program brings to families across borders.

Following careful evaluation, Enrique underwent serial casting treatments before receiving corrective surgery at our Los Angeles facility in July 2021. The transformation has been remarkable. Today, he visits just once a year for follow-up care and is thriving in every aspect of his life. His mother’s recent words capture his progress perfectly: “Thanks to your care, Enrique’s feet are healthy, and he can do any activity without limitations.”

What makes Enrique’s story especially inspiring is not just his medical success, but his boundless spirit and dreams. He aspires to become a science or math teacher and now plays soccer completely pain-free—activities that once seemed impossible. During his most recent visit, we learned he had lost his beloved Ozzie stuffed animal, a cherished gift from his surgery day. Seeing his disappointment, our team surprised him with a new Ozzie, instantly lighting up his face with that unforgettable smile.

Enrique’s journey embodies the heart of our International Children’s Program: transforming not just physical limitations, but opening doors to limitless possibilities and dreams.

Knowing When to Seek Care for Your Child: A Guide from LuskinOIC

As a parent, your top priority is keeping your child safe and healthy. But when your child is sick or injured, it can be hard to know what level of care they need. Should you call your pediatrician, visit urgent care, or head straight to the emergency department?

When to Call Your Pediatrician or Visit Urgent Care

For non-emergencies, your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric urgent care center is often the best place to start. If your child’s doctor isn’t available—such as during evenings or weekends—urgent care can provide fast, effective treatment. Contact your pediatrician or visit urgent care if your child has:

A fever lasting more than 3 days
A fever over 102°F for more than 2 days in an infant, without a clear cause
Symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, runny nose)
Minor injuries like sprains, strains, or swelling
Cuts that may need stitches
Minor burns
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Bladder or urinary tract infections
Cold symptoms, coughs, or sore throats
Earaches or sinus pain
Skin concerns like rashes or irritation

You may also have access to virtual urgent care for non-emergency issues, allowing your child to be seen by a provider from home. Check if pediatric virtual urgent care services are available in your area.

When to Go to the Emergency Department

If your child is seriously injured or ill—especially if the condition may be life-threatening or needs immediate attention—take them to the emergency department (ED). Seek emergency care if your child:

Is extremely drowsy, hard to wake, or behaving unusually
Is experiencing severe or constant pain
Has trouble breathing, or is breathing rapidly or deeply
Has a suspected broken bone, a visibly deformed limb, or a lot of swelling and pain
Has a deep or large cut, a cut that won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, or a wound on the head, chest, or abdomen
Sustains a head injury that causes vomiting, confusion, a severe headache, or loss of consciousness
Falls from a significant height
Ingests a harmful substance or medication
- If your child is alert, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222
- If your child is unresponsive, having trouble breathing, or has collapsed, call 911
Is under 2 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (call your doctor first)
Has a high fever along with a stiff neck or headache
Has a fever along with a widespread purple or red rash
Shows signs of severe dehydration (no wet diapers, sunken eyes, dry mouth, weakness, or inability to drink or respond)

Your child’s health matters. When in doubt, trust your instincts—and don’t hesitate to seek care. LuskinOIC is here to support your family with trusted pediatric expertise every step of the way.