Karen Bruner Stroup

Transporting children with orthopaedic conditions and surgeries.

While motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death and injury to children, proper and consistent use of child safety seats and safety belts can greatly improve childrens chances of survival in motor vehicle crashes. Children with orthopaedic conditions and children after orthopaedic surgery, however, may be restricted to specialized child restraint options that are capable of providing proper fit and safe travel for a period of time after the procedure. To assure proper selection and avoid secondary injury, parents and health care professionals need to be aware of best practices for transporting children postoperatively and of restraint options that exist for children with orthopaedic conditions.

Car seats: helping parents do it right!

Abstract Misuse of car seats is widespread, and the pediatric nurse can help correct improper use by asking parents purposeful and specific questions that provide information on installation and positioning of child restraints. Common car seat misuses that can be revealed and corrected to prevent possible injuries or fatalities in children include misrouting the seat belt through the car seat frame; not using a seat belt; not using or improperly using all the car seats required parts such as a shield, an internal harness, or a top tether; and positioning the car seat facing forward rather than facing the rear for a small infant.

Transportation resources for pediatric orthopaedic clients.

Pediatric orthopaedic surgery clients may be unable to safely, comfortably, and affordably use child safety seats (car seats) for a variety of reasons. This article describes commercially available child safety seats suitable for transporting pediatric orthopaedic surgery clients. Discussed are those children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, hip dislocations, arthrogryposis, scoliosis, and osteogenesis imperfecta.