Quality and Outcomes Reports - Orthopedics

Surgical Volume

Why we measure it - Research shows that physicians and hospitals that treat a large number of patients tend to provide better care and have improved outcomes for treatments and procedures.

What this means -  Surgeries requiring a hospital stay (inpatient) have declined slightly as we find less invasive ways to manage many pediatric orthopedic problems.

About the data - The data reflect all orthopedic surgical procedures in calendar years 2008-2011.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

  • We perform many outpatient procedures at Surgicenter of Greater Milwaukee approximately 10 minutes from Children's Hospital. Here, patients may be scheduled sooner and enjoy the convenience of a smaller facility, while being cared for by the same pediatric orthopedic surgeons and pediatric anesthesiologists they would see at the hospital.
  • Our goal is to manage scoliosis without surgery, however, when surgery is needed, orthopedic surgeons at Children's Hospital perform the most advanced techniques in scoliosis surgery, including a fairly new procedure that dramatically reduces recovery time from months to days.
  • During spinal surgery, patients receive real-time spinal cord monitoring supervised by a trained neurologist to assess both motor and somatosensory evoked potential.
  • We specialize in performing spinal surgeries on children with special health care needs, including muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and spina bifida. These patients often require additional expertise because of their multiple medications and complex health histories.
  • We have pediatric-trained anesthesiologists and an excellent Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staffed by pediatric experts. These individuals help us achieve great patient outcomes.
  • We hold a surgical support group every other month for children who need or have had scoliosis surgery. A multidisciplinary medical team offers information about the surgery and what to expect while in the hospital, and past surgical patients talk about their experiences. The meeting is followed by a tour of the surgery area and a patient room.
  • We work closely with the specialists in the Jane B. Pettit Pain and Palliative Care Center to reduce pain after orthopedic surgery and keep children as comfortable as possible.
  • We have a pediatric orthopedic nurse clinician who coordinates inpatient stays, discharge planning and follow-up clinic visits. 
  • We offer the Family Accommodations Program to help make travel arrangements and coordinate appointments for families traveling to our center from a long distance. 
  • Orthopedic staff is involved in basic science and clinical research including:
    • Improving ways of mapping the spine to monitor scoliosis without using X-rays.
    • Growth modulation devices to correct scoliosis without fusion.
  • We provide a nurse call line where patients and families can leave their questions or concerns. While messages can be left anytime, an orthopedic nurse will respond within 60 minutes to messages left during the following hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To reach our Nurse Line, call (414) 266-2411.

Patients and families:

  • Take a pre-operative tour to prepare for the procedure and hospital stay.
  • Follow all eating and drinking restrictions before surgery.
  • Bring a list of the medications your child takes with you on the day of the surgery. Make sure to include the name of the medication, the dose or amount and how your child takes it (swallows a pill, drinks a liquid). This is important information to help us care for your child while he or she is in the hospital.
  • Provide your referring doctor's name and address so we can send a detailed letter about the surgery that is performed.
  • If you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, please call Central Scheduling, at (877) 607-5280 or (414) 607-5280 as soon as possible to reschedule so another child can be seen.

Referring physicians:

  • Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.
  • Forward any needed patient documentation, including test results, to the specialty doctor's office prior to the patient's visit.
  • Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based 
    e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
    e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
  • Care guidelines for medical professionals
  • Educational materials
  • Pocket Directory

If you have questions about these data or information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.