Compassionate, Expert Care for Growing Bones and Joints
Expert Care for Every Joint
Quality Pediatric Orthopedic Care in Los Angeles
At LAOSS, we understand that when your child is in pain, you want answers and reliable care. Our pediatric orthopedic specialist, Dr. Michelle Sugi, provides expert, family-centered care for children and teens across Greater Los Angeles, treating everything from playground fractures to complex developmental conditions with compassion, clarity, and clinical excellence.
With clinics in Tarzana, East Los Angeles, and Valencia for pediatric care, pediatric orthopedic care is accessible to you. Our team is here to help your child return to school, sports, and everyday life as safely and quickly as possible. With bilingual support, a warm atmosphere, and deep roots in the LA community, LAOSS is your trusted partner in pediatric orthopedic care.
Pediatric Orthopedic Conditions We Treat in Los Angeles
At LAOSS, we help treat a variety of orthopedic issues in children and teens, including:
Fractures & Growth Plate Injuries
We treat pediatric fractures and growth plate injuries with precision and care to support proper healing and healthy development. From buckle fractures and sprains to growth plate disruptions, our specialists offer child-friendly treatments like casting, bracing, or minimally invasive procedures to help kids recover quickly and safely.
Congenital & Developmental Conditions
Our pediatric orthopedic team cares for children with congenital and developmental conditions such as hip dysplasia, clubfoot, limb differences, and flat feet. We offer early diagnosis, bracing, physical therapy, and long-term monitoring, ensuring treatments align with each child’s growth milestones and mobility goals for a healthy, active future.
Spine Conditions
At LAOSS, we treat pediatric spine conditions such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and posture-related issues with a comprehensive, child-centered approach. We offer early diagnosis, bracing, physical therapy, and access to pediatric spine specialists when needed, helping kids maintain mobility, reduce discomfort, and grow with confidence through every stage of development.
Sports & Overuse Injuries
We care for young athletes with sports and overuse injuries like ACL tears, stress fractures, and tendonitis. Our team focuses on safe, age-appropriate recovery using physical therapy, bracing, and activity modification, helping kids heal fully and return to play stronger, with reduced risk of re-injury.
Movement & Functional Concerns
We evaluate movement and functional concerns such as limping, gait abnormalities, flat feet, and neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy. Our personalized care plans often include physical therapy, orthotics, or observation to promote healthy movement, improve function, and help children stay active and confident as they grow.
The following list includes common signs that may indicate your child should see an orthopedic doctor:
- Persistent joint or bone pain, especially after activity
- Limping or unusual walking patterns
- Frequent trips or falls without clear cause
- Difficulty using one arm or leg
- Swelling, bruising, or deformity in a limb or joint
- Uneven shoulders, hips, or back
- Delayed motor milestones or coordination concerns
- Chronic back, neck, or joint stiffness
- Recurring sports injuries or pain during physical activity
- Visible foot abnormalities (e.g., flat feet, toe walking)
- Complaints of joint “locking” or “popping”
- Concerns from a pediatrician about growth or development
These signs don’t always mean something serious, but an evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic physician can help provide clarity, peace of mind, and a plan to support your child’s health and mobility.
How We Diagnose Pediatric Orthopedic Conditions at LAOSS
As a parent, it’s natural to worry if your child starts complaining about joint pain or exhibits other concerning symptoms. We understand how difficult this can be, and we’re here to provide answers you can trust.
Our pediatric orthopedic specialist, Dr. Michelle Sugi, is trained to evaluate conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, and spine in children and teens. Because kids are still growing, this approach to diagnosis is carefully tailored to your child’s age, developmental stage, and unique anatomy.
Here’s what you can expect during an initial evaluation:
- Comprehensive Medical History: We take time to listen to you, discussing your child’s symptoms, activity level, milestones, and any past injuries or conditions.
- Gentle, Age-Appropriate Physical Exam: We evaluate movement, posture, alignment, and joint flexibility in a way that helps kids feel at ease.
- On-Site Imaging, If Needed: Most of our clinics offer X-rays during your visit; if additional imaging (like MRI or CT) is needed, we coordinate referrals quickly and conveniently.
- Growth and Development Assessments: We look beyond the immediate issue to evaluate your child’s bone health, growth patterns, and any signs of long-term orthopedic concerns.
In many cases, families leave their first appointment with a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan, avoiding the need for multiple visits and delays.
Concerned about your child’s pain or injury? Schedule a pediatric orthopedic evaluation today.
Pediatric Orthopedic Treatments & Procedures With LAOSS
Many pediatric orthopedic procedures are designed to be minimally invasive, highly effective, and child-friendly so kids can get back to school, sports, and everyday life as quickly and safely as possible.This type of orthopedic care focuses on relieving pain, correcting deformities, stabilizing injuries, and supporting healthy growth.
Families at LAOSS benefit from having access to advanced, in-office procedures and fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Michelle Sugi, who specializes in treating musculoskeletal conditions in infants, children, and teens. We provide the following treatments and procedures based on your child’s unique needs:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Casting and splinting for fractures or growth plate injuries
- Bracing for scoliosis, clubfoot, or joint stabilization
- Orthotics for flat feet, gait issues, or limb differences
- Physical therapy tailored for children’s needs (link to [Physical Therapy])
Pain Relief & Healing Support
- Medications or injections for pain and inflammation (as appropriate for pediatric care)
- Activity modification and supportive therapies
Corrective & Reconstructive Procedures
- Surgical correction for congenital conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, limb length differences)
- Scoliosis surgery for severe spinal curvature
- Minimally invasive surgery for fractures or sports injuries
Meet Our Pediatric Orthopedist, Dr. Michelle Sugi
Dr. Michelle Sugi is a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care for children of all ages. With specialized training in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions in infants, children, and adolescents, Dr. Sugi brings a calm, reassuring presence to every appointment. She takes the time to listen to families, explain treatment options clearly, and create care plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Sugi is proud to serve the diverse communities of Greater Los Angeles with accessible, family-focused orthopedic care.
See Why Patients Trust LAOSS for Their Child’s Orthopedic Care
Get Reliable Care for Your Child With a Trusted Pediatric Orthopedist
At LAOSS, we make it easier for families to access trusted pediatric orthopedic care, without the long waitlists or overwhelming hospital experience. With same-day and next-day appointments available, your child can be seen quickly by a fellowship-trained specialist like Dr. Michelle Sugi, right in your own community.
From on-site imaging and diagnosis to bracing, therapy, and surgical care, we offer a full range of services in a warm, family-focused environment. Our team listens, explains, and partners with you at every step, so you always feel supported and informed.
Greater Los Angeles’ Trusted Orthopedic Surgeons Since 2006
Why does my toddler limp after playing but not complain of pain?
A toddler may limp after playing without complaining of pain due to a mild injury, fatigue, or growing-related changes that aren’t easily expressed at that age. Sometimes, limping is a child’s way of protecting a sore area. If the limp persists or worsens, it’s best to consult a pediatric orthopedic specialist for evaluation and peace of mind.
Is it normal for my child’s feet to turn inward when walking?
Feet turning inward while walking is common in young children and often part of normal development. Most cases improve on their own as a child grows. However, if it’s severe, causes tripping, or doesn’t improve over time, a pediatric orthopedic evaluation can help rule out underlying issues and guide any necessary treatment.
My child’s elbow hurts after pitching a baseball — do we need a specialist?
Elbow pain in a young pitcher can be a sign of overuse or a condition like “Little League elbow,” which affects growing joints. Because a child’s bones and growth plates are still developing, it’s important to see a pediatric orthopedic specialist. Early evaluation can help prevent long-term damage and ensure a safe return to sports with proper care.
How do I know if my child’s growing pains are something more serious?
Growing pains are common, usually appearing as achy legs at night that improve by morning. If your child’s pain is persistent, occurs during the day, affects one specific limb, causes limping, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or decreased activity, it may signal something more serious. A pediatric orthopedic evaluation can provide clarity and reassurance.