Orthopedic Center's Research & Innovations

Boston Children’s Orthopedic Center has a long history of innovation and is home to many firsts in orthopedic treatment.

Spine Division

extensive experience treating all types of scoliosis and spinal disorders
pioneers in the adoption of the VEPTR (vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib) and MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control system) procedures
leading national initiatives to lessen the risk of perioperative spinal infections
new low-dose imaging systems:

EOS x-ray system lessens radiation risk with spinal screening and care follow up for scoliosis
arm facilitates navigation and evaluation of pedicle screw placement for spinal operative stabilization.

international leader in hip preservation surgery
performed over 1,200 periacetabular osteotomies
collaborated in the development of the dGMERIC MRI scan evaluation of hip joint cartilage and its use in indications for hip preservation surgery
leading pediatric, adolescent and young adult center for hip arthroscopy surgery (in collaboration with Sports Medicine)

largest in the United States
provides expertise in advanced techniques of care for complex congenital anomalies, fractures, neurovascular and soft-tissue injuries to the hand and upper extremity
leaders of a national multi-center research study in brachial plexus birth palsy.

pioneers in the development of growth-plate sparing ACL surgeries for young athletes
leaders of landmark basic science research on ACL repair that has progressed to clinical trial

founders of the first pediatric sports medicine clinic in the nation and leaders in research-based sports injury prevention with 40,000 patient visits every year
one of the first centers in the nation to use adjuvant chemotherapy and perform limb salvage surgery for patients with osteosarcoma
the oldest and largest comprehensive center for the care of spina bifida
Orthopedic Clinical Effectiveness Research Center translates science into care and improves the quality of life of children with musculoskeletal disorders. The Center includes a Quality Safety and Value research team actively involved in Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs) and Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) work on increasing value and patient safety in our care delivery for fractures, spinal fusions, hip preservation and sports surgical reconstructions