Skip to main content

The "Choosing Wisely" collection of treatments that providers and patients should question continues to expand—this time, into pediatric orthopedics, with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issuing a list that calls for dialing back the use of imaging, ultrasound, and orthotics.

The AAP list, developed in partnership between the AAP Section on Orthopaedics and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, makes the following 5 recommendations:

  • Do not order a screening hip ultrasound to rule out developmental hip dysplasia or developmental hip dislocation if the baby has no risk factors and has a clinically stable hip examination.
  • Do not order radiographs or advise bracing or surgery for a child less than 8 years of age with simple in-toeing gait.
  • Do not order custom orthotics or shoe inserts for a child with minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic flat feet.
  • Do not order advanced imaging studies (MRI or CT) for most musculoskeletal conditions in a child until all appropriate clinical, laboratory, and plain radiographic examinations have been completed.
  • Do not order follow-up X-rays for buckle (or torus) fractures if they are no longer painful or tender.

Launched by the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation in 2012, "Choosing Wisely" is a collection of ineffective and overused treatments and tests that has grown to 540 recommendations from more than 80 specialty society partners. In 2014, APTA became the first nonphysician organization to contribute to Choosing Wisely when it released its list of "5 Things Physical Therapists and Patients Should Question."


You Might Also Like...

Article

CMS Releases New Details on the ACCESS Model, Including Payment Structure

Mar 11, 2026

On Feb. 12, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released more details regarding its Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions,

Article

57th McMillan Lecture: Movement Is the Core of Who We Are

Mar 10, 2026

Christopher Powers, PT, PhD, FAPTA, delivers the 57th Mary McMillan Lecture at APTA CSM in Anaheim, California. In delivering the 57th Mary McMillan Lecture

News

APTA's 'Founded by Women' Toolkit Celebrates Women's Impact on the Profession

Mar 9, 2026

In 1921, a visionary group of women founded APTA and set our profession on a bold, new course. Their pioneering leadership not only established the association