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.

Spinal Program

•   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.

Child and Adult Hip Preservation Program

•   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)

Hand and Orthopedic Upper Extremity Program

•   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.

ACL Program

•   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

Additional highlights for the Orthopedic Center:

•   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