Pediatric sedation: the art and science.

Successful completion of diagnostic and therapeutic orthopaedic procedures in children requires a high level of cooperation and pain control. This article provides a framework for safe and effective sedation of children undergoing such procedures. Following the definition of levels of sedation, the dynamics of the three phases of sedation (pre, intra, and post) are described. Specific sedative-analgesic agents, monitoring, and transport are discussed. Finally, the art of working with children who require sedation is outlined.