ILOTA Live Virtual Event: "Common Pediatric UE Orthopedic Injuries and Rehabilitation Options"

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

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(Zoom meeting link will be emailed to all registrants prior to the meeting.)

Can't attend on September 10th? Register for the course and you will receive a link to the recording after the event with a link to the assessment to earn your CEUs.

Register here!

Orthopedic injuries among the pediatric population account for up to 15% of all emergency department (ED) visits, and upper extremity injuries represent a significant majority, making up one-fourth to one-third of all ED trauma and extremity-related presentations. Fractures – including those to the distal radius, supracondylar humerus, forearm, and clavicle – radial head subluxation, and hand injuries remain some of the most frequently treated pediatric upper extremity conditions. With increasing participation in year-round athletics and recreational activities, the number of upper extremity fractures and overuse injuries continue to rise, particularly among school-aged children and adolescents. At the same time, advances in pediatric orthopedic care and rehabilitation have improved outcomes and return to function for many young patients.

Presented by a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, this webinar course will provide an overview of these common pediatric upper extremity injuries across developmental stages, emphasizing injury recognition, surgical decision-making, complications, and rehabilitation considerations relevant to occupational therapists.

Participants will learn to recognize common pediatric upper extremity injuries through physical examination findings and radiographic interpretation, while also understanding age-related fracture patterns and mechanisms of injury. The lecture will review which fractures and injuries are typically managed conservatively versus those requiring surgical intervention, including treatment options such as casting, pinning, fixation, and postoperative management.

Special attention will be given to common complications including malunion, growth plate disturbances, nerve injury, stiffness, pain, and functional limitations. The discussion also will involve how early identification and coordinated management of these complications can improve long-term outcomes for pediatric patients.

Additionally, the webinar will highlight the critical role occupational therapists play in collaboration with pediatric orthopedic surgeons throughout recovery and rehabilitation. From splint fabrication and edema management to range of motion progression, strengthening, and return-to-function training, occupational therapists are essential members of the care team who help optimize healing, restore participation in meaningful activities, and support successful functional outcomes.

Case-based discussions and imaging review will be incorporated throughout the course to promote clinical reasoning and practical application of rehabilitation principles across a variety of pediatric upper extremity injuries.

1. Recognize the most common pediatric upper extremity injuries by age on x-ray / physical exam
2. Identify which fractures are surgical and options for treatment
3. Know the complications of each type of injury and how to identify and treat them

Andrew Michalowitz, DO, FAAOS
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon
Endeavor Health Orthopaedic & Spine Institute

Andrew Michalowitz, DO, FAAOS, is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Endeavor Health Orthopaedic & Spine Institute. He cares for children with a wide range of conditions including fractures, hip dysplasia, clubfoot, sports injuries, and developmental abnormalities. He provides both non-operative and operative treatments to help children return to school, sports, and daily activities.

He earned his medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic and Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency training in orthopedics at Michigan State University. He was fellowship-trained in pediatric orthopaedic surgery at New York University Langone Medical Center.

Inspired by his early volunteer work with children in the hospital setting, Dr. Michalowitz is committed to delivering care that supports both children and their families through every step of the treatment process. He sees patients at Endeavor Health’s locations in Woodridge and Plainfield.

(Not a member? Join here!)

(Zoom meeting link will be emailed to all registrants prior to the meeting.)

If you require any reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact us before the event.

Register here!