Orthopedic Clinic

The St. Jude Orthopedic Clinic provides expert care and treatment for children with diseases that affect the muscular skeletal system. That system includes bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments.

Services we provide

Your child may be referred to the clinic if they:

• Have a bone tumor or soft tissue tumor of the extremities
• Are scheduled to have surgery that involves bones, muscles, or joints
• Have orthopedic-related effects of treatment, such as avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) due to sickle cell disease, or cancer

St. Jude orthopedic surgeons pioneered ways to remove cancer of the bone or soft tissue and preserve function of the affected arm or leg. The approach is called limb-sparing or limb-preserving surgery. It has helped to dramatically reduce the need for amputations in the treatment of children with bone and soft tissue tumors. Those efforts continue.

Your Orthopedic Clinic team

The clinic is led by surgeons who are experts in treating children and young adults with diseases and problems affecting their musculoskeletal system, including bone tumors. They also manage orthopedic-related complications that happen during treatment for other cancers.

The orthopedic surgeons work with a team that includes advanced practice nurses, physical therapists, and other health care providers. General surgeons, infectious diseases specialists, experts in wound care and others join the team as needed.

What to expect during your visit 

Your child’s primary treatment team or the St. Jude Physician/Patient Referral Office will schedule your child’s first Orthopedic Clinic appointment. X-rays and other radiology tests will be scheduled before the clinic visit.

During the first visit, the team will check your child’s vital signs. They will also review the medical history and imaging test results. The surgeon will ask questions, may order more tests, or may make referrals for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other services.

Your child will return to the clinic for follow-up care before and after surgery. Follow-up visits are also scheduled to check on a child’s response to treatment and to review their care plan.

Learn more

The Orthopedic Clinic is open twice a week. The clinic is on the southeast side of the Patient Care Center. If you have questions about the St. Jude Orthopedic Clinic, call 901-595-5372.