Beyond Orthopedic Injuries: One Fairfield County Family’s Story

Growth and activity uniquely affect kids, teens and young adults. Their growth plates are still forming. Muscles, bones and connective tissues are developing at different rates. As a result, their injuries can look different, heal differently, and require a different approach than they would in adults.

When Ronnie’s youngest daughter, 4-year-old Penelope, hurt her leg on the family trampoline last year, that difference became clear right away.

Because it was the weekend, Ronnie initially took her to a general urgent care clinic, staffed by clinicians without pediatric specialization. The clinician who reviewed Penelope’s X-rays didn’t see any fractures and sent her home.

By the next day, Penelope was still in agony. This time, Ronnie brought her to Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Specialty Care Center in Westport — where clinicians are board-certified in over 20 pediatric specialties, including orthopedics. The orthopedics clinic offers walk-in and same-day appointments most days of the week.

“Connecticut Children’s orthopedic team got us in right away. They pulled up Penelope’s prior images from the other center and confirmed the fracture and brought in the physician,” Ronnie recalls. “Penelope was casted and we were done in about 35 minutes. It was amazing.”
 

That experience cemented the family’s trust in Connecticut Children’s. Which is good news: “We have five kids — we need orthopedic care all the time,” Ronnie says.

So when her oldest son, Lucas, was injured a few months ago during high school soccer practice, they knew exactly where to turn.

“What mattered most was that he was being seen by true pediatric orthopedic specialists,” Ronnie says. “A growing 15-year-old athlete is very different from an adult athlete.”

At Connecticut Children’s, Lucas received X-rays, a diagnosis, and a clear plan forward — one focused on keeping him healthy now, while protecting his long-term growth and mobility. That plan included physical therapy he can receive right at Connecticut Children’s, with physical therapists who specialize in young athletes.

Being able to return to Connecticut Children’s in Westport, which opened just a few years ago, was a bonus.

“It’s a brand-new facility,” says Ronnie. “It’s gorgeous.”

Having now experienced Connecticut Children’s orthopedic care for both a preschooler and a teenager, Ronnie says the consistency stands out.

“We’ve gone right at opening for walk-in appointments, and it’s been incredibly efficient,” she says. “The visits are well organized, and we’re usually in and out quickly. It’s great orthopedic care in a really nice facility.”

Most of all, the expertise keeps her coming back.

“Connecticut Children’s really understands kids’ bodies at every age,” Ronnie says. “As a physician and as a parent, that gives me a lot of confidence.”