Orthopedics

Specializing in the musculoskeletal health of children and adolescents.

Research & Clinical Trials

Research is a top priority of the Division, with the goal of discovering the best approaches for treating orthopedic problems and disorders.

Our Orthopedic Research Program has three key components:

1. Orthopedic Biomechanics Research Center

The Center is currently:

• Testing new spinal implant constructs for scoliosis.
• Testing different pins available for use in fracture repair.
• Evaluating a new technique for rotator cuff repairs.

For more information, click here.

2. Motion Analysis Laboratory

The Lab is currently:

• Analyzing pitching motion to understand causes of injuries and train young pitchers in proper body mechanics to avoid injury.
• Evaluating the gait in patients with cerebral palsy to make surgical recommendations based on findings.

For more information, click here.

3. Clinical Research Centers

There are five centers of clinical research:

Center for Spinal Deformities

Rady Children’s is a core site for a multicenter, international study on the outcomes of scoliosis surgery. This study has reached its 10th year, with one of the most comprehensive scoliosis databases in the world (more than 3,000 patients and follow-up visits up to 15 years post-operative). Another ongoing study is looking at the effects of spinal fusion operations on trunk motion after surgery.

International Center for Pediatric Hip Disorders

The Center conducts research on the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric hip deformities; specifically, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease; slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE); developmental dysplasia of the hip, and femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI). Current projects include:

• Studying the incidence of femoro-acetabular morphology in asymptomatic patients.
• Studying the effect of advanced imaging on clinical management.

Trauma Research Center

The Center focuses on investigates patterns and trends of traumatic injury in children, as well as outcomes of treating orthopedic injuries. Current projects include:

• Evaluating the radiographic and functional outcome of clavicle fractures.
• Evaluating the efficacy of surgical intervention for distal tibia fractures in preventing premature growth plate closure.

Sports Research Center

The Center focuses on investigating patterns and trends of sports injury in children, as well as outcomes of various treatments. Current studies include:

• Examining the incidence of pediatric/adolescent shoulder injuries.
• Evaluating the efficacy of diagnostic tools in shoulder injuries.
• Treating adolescent patellar instability and alignment.

Center for Orthopedic Outcomes

The Center conducts research on the treatment of various orthopedic conditions. Current areas of study include:

• Cavus foot (high-arches)
• Pes planus (flatfoot) 
• Tarsal coalitions (abnormal bony connections in the foot)
• The effects of obesity on orthopedic treatment