Children’s orthopaedic care (Paediatrics)

We provide diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care of children and young people with musculoskeletal (bone, joint and muscle) conditions. 

Our team includes experienced paediatric orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, nurses and allied health professionals, all dedicated to delivering high-quality, child-centred care.

Common conditions we treat include
  • Congenital and developmental differences, such as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and clubfoot
  • Bone and joint injuries, including fractures
  • Limb length differences and deformities
Preparing your child for surgery

Coming into hospital for an operation can feel worrying for children and families. Being well‑prepared can help your child feel more confident, reduce anxiety, and make the experience as smooth as possible. 
This guide explains how to talk to your child, when to start those conversations, and where to find child‑friendly resources to support you both.

Talking to your child about surgery

It is important to explain what will happen in a simple, honest and reassuring way. 

Key things to explain:

  • They are going to hospital.
  • They will have an operation, which is a special procedure doctors do to help them get better.
  • What will happen on the day – for example meeting nurses and doctors, changing into a hospital gown, or having a “special sleep” for the operation.

When should you tell your child about surgery? 

The best time to talk to your child depends on their age, understanding and personality. The guidance below can help you decide what may work best.

  • Teenagers: 
    Printing out information and letting them know where they can find it will allow young people to find out more and ask questions in their own time. 
    Sharing information and showing them trusted websites can help them feel informed and involved in decisions about their care. It might also help to avoid them turning to potentially unreliable sources online. 
  • Primary school-aged children (4–12 years): 
    Most children in this age group benefit from being told about surgery around 4-10 days beforehand. This gives them enough time to process what is happening and ask questions. 
  • Young children (under 4s): 
    As a general guide, it is helpful to talk to young children about 2–4 days before coming to hospital and then remind them again on the day to prevent prolonged worry. 
    Keep explanations short and simple, focusing on what will happen that day and reassuring them that you will stay with them as much as possible.

Using gentle encouragement with your child can help them to open up about their questions and fears. This approach can prevent your child from feeling pushed and will show that you are willing to listen when they are ready to talk.  

Useful resources

Books : 

‘Going to hospital’ by Usbourne First Experiences 
Recommended age 3-5 years 
A simple story that follows Ben’s visit to hospital and his operation to fix his sore ears.  
 
Talking it through – Hospital by Anthea 
Recommended age 5-10 years 
This book looks at a variety of children who are in hospital for different treatments and talks about different hospital workers.  

Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) Patient Information :

Children younger than 7 years old

Stories, videos and activities for younger children 
 
Children aged 8-11 years old  

Fun comics and activities to help older children understand what to expect 
 
Children and young people from 12 years old  

Leaflets, videos and FAQs for older children and teenagers. 
 
Information for parents and carers  

Understand what to expect and what choices you may be able to make together with your child. 

Videos : 

Your child’s general anaesthetic – magic milk and squidgy masks 

Created by our Anaesthetic department explaining process of having an operation on the day.  
 
A Little Deep Sleep (a family guide to Anaesthetics) 

Animated guide to anaesthetics (going to sleep) and is aimed at children having an operation. 
 
Get Well Soon Hospital – Operation 

Dr Ranj explains about having an operation and having a special sleep mask in an episode 9, series 2 of Get Well Soon. 
 
Get Well Soon Hospital – Outpatients  

Dr Ranj explains what happens in outpatients department and five tests: height, weight, heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure. 

Apps : 

Little Journey App – free download

Available for iPhone and androids 
A fun interactive information app to help children learn through animations about having an operation in a hospital.  
In the introduction, you can type The Royal Berkshire Hospital as the setting they will be attending.  
They can then explore different areas and learn about different equipment used. 
 
Hetty’s Hospital – free download

Available for iPhone and androids 
Fun interactive way of learning what happens in a hospital following Hetty who has a tummy ache and needs an ultrasound. Other characters help to explain other procedures such X-rays, MRI/CT scans and fixing broken legs.