Preparing Your Child for Orthopaedic Surgery: Age-Appropriate Approaches to Reduce Anxiety

Learning that your child needs orthopaedic surgery can be overwhelming for the entire family. At Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC), we understand that children process information differently depending on their age and developmental stage. Our specialists have compiled this guide to help you prepare your child for surgery in ways that provide comfort, build trust, and reduce anxiety.

Why Preparation Matters

Research consistently shows that well-prepared children experience:

• Less preoperative anxiety
• Better postoperative pain management
• Reduced risk of psychological distress
• Greater cooperation with medical staff

Taking time to prepare your child not only helps them through the immediate surgical experience but can positively influence how they approach medical care throughout their lives.

General Guidelines for All Ages

Before diving into age-specific approaches, here are some universal principles to keep in mind:

Be Honest and Build Trust

• Always tell the truth, but in age-appropriate terms
• Never promise “no pain” – instead, explain that discomfort can be managed
• Address questions directly; if you don’t know an answer, offer to find out together

Focus on the Positive Outcome

• Explain how the surgery will help (better movement, less pain, straighter limbs)
• Use concrete examples relevant to your child’s interests (“You’ll be able to ride your bike again”)

Involve Your Child

• Give age-appropriate choices when possible (which stuffed animal to bring, what flavor of popsicle after)
• Have them help pack their hospital bag
• Let them create a list of questions for the doctor

Age-Specific Approaches

Toddlers (1-3 years)

At this age, children are mainly concerned with separation from parents and unfamiliar environments.

What to Say:

• Use simple, concrete terms: “The doctor will fix your leg to help you walk better”
• Avoid abstract explanations about illness or technical terms
• Focus on what they will see, hear, and feel: “You’ll wear special pajamas and the room will have lots of lights”

Helpful Preparation Activities:

• Read picture books about going to the hospital
• Use dolls or stuffed animals for medical play
• Familiarize them with basic medical equipment like stethoscopes and bandages

On Surgery Day:

• Bring comfort items (favorite blanket, stuffed animal)
• Maintain normal routines as much as possible before and after

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Children this age have vivid imaginations and may create frightening scenarios to fill information gaps.

What to Say:

• Explain surgery using concrete terms: “The doctor will fix the bone in your arm while you’re taking a special nap”
• Correct misconceptions immediately: “The surgery is not a punishment and is not happening because you did anything wrong”
• Be specific about timeframes: “After lunch, after one TV show”

On Surgery Day:

• Bring distractions (small toys, tablet with favorite shows)
• Comfort items from home
• Photos of family members if you can’t be present at all times

School-Age Children (6-12 years)

These children can understand more complex explanations and may have specific concerns about pain, being awake during surgery, or missing school.

What to Say:

• Provide more detailed explanations of procedures: “The doctor will use special tools to straighten the bones in your foot”
• Explain the purpose of anesthesia: “Medicine will help you sleep deeply through the surgery so you won’t feel anything”
• Address pain honestly: “You might feel sore afterward, but there will be medicine to help, and the doctors and nurses will make sure you’re comfortable”

Helpful Preparation Activities:

• Watch age-appropriate videos explaining their procedure
• Create a list of questions for the doctor together
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing
• Make a recovery calendar marking milestones and follow-up appointments

On Surgery Day:

• Bring activities that require concentration (books, puzzles, games)
• Consider a new small gift as a special distraction
• Encourage them to bring a personal item that gives them strength

Adolescents (13-18 years)

Teens are concerned with privacy, independence, and how the surgery might affect their appearance or social life.

What to Say:

• Provide more technical information if they’re interested
• Include them in all discussions with the medical team
• Be straightforward about recovery timeframes and limitations
• Address concerns about appearance, scars, or mobility directly

Helpful Preparation Activities:

• Research their condition and procedure together
• Connect with others who have had similar procedures if possible
• Have them prepare their own questions for the medical team
• Discuss and plan pain management strategies
• Help them plan how to stay connected with friends during recovery

On Surgery Day:

• Respect their privacy
• Provide technology to stay connected with friends
• Bring comfortable clothes that accommodate bandages/casts
• Let them make decisions about visitors when appropriate

Addressing Common Fears

Fear of Pain

• Explain the different ways pain will be managed
• Emphasize the role of the pain management team
• Teach rating pain on a scale to communicate effectively
• Practice comfort measures like deep breathing and visualization

Fear of Anesthesia

• Explain that special doctors (anesthesiologists) will monitor them the entire time
• Compare it to a very deep sleep, not regular sleeping
• Reassure that they will wake up when the surgery is complete
• Arrange to meet with the anesthesiologist beforehand if possible

Fear of the Unknown

• Show pictures of the pre-op area, operating room, and recovery room
• Explain the sequence of events from arrival to discharge
• Introduce them to as many team members as possible before surgery
• Consider a hospital tour if available

What to Bring to the Hospital

• Comfort items (blanket, stuffed animal, pillow)
• Entertainment (books, tablet, headphones)
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for going home
• Any regular medications in original containers
• Insurance cards and identification
• List of questions for the medical team
• Snacks for parents/caregivers

When to Seek Additional Support

Consider professional support if your child:

• Shows extreme anxiety or behavioral changes
• Has had traumatic medical experiences in the past
• Has pre-existing anxiety or mood disorders
• Has developmental or cognitive challenges that affect understanding

The Bottom Line

With thoughtful preparation, honest communication, and age-appropriate support, children can navigate the surgical experience with resilience. At LuskinOIC, our goal is not just successful surgical outcomes but also positive experiences that build children’s confidence in their ability to overcome challenges.

Remember, you know your child best. Trust your instincts about how much information they need and what comforting approaches will work for them. Our team is here to support both you and your child every step of the way.

---

For more information about preparing your child for orthopaedic surgery at LuskinOIC, please visit LuskinOIC.org. Our Specialists are available to answer questions and provide additional resources tailored to your child’s specific needs.