Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Commonly referred to as brittle bone disease, osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare, permanent genetic disorder that prevents the building of strong bones.
Orthopedic Surgery
There’s a care team supporting every pediatric orthopedic surgery at Shriners Children’s.
Our surgeons are known nationally and internationally for their contributions to the field of orthopedics for children. With their expertise in treating children from toddlers to teens, they understand the challenges of planning ahead for growing bones and bodies.
Our nurses, social services staff, and physical and occupational therapists specialize in pediatrics; they know how to meet a child's emotional and physical needs as that child prepares for surgery and progresses through their recovery. Specialists in child development from our Child Life program provide support during this time as well, to ease fear and anxiety. They provide comfort and coping strategies, along with opportunities for fun and creative activities, and time for play.
Every child is different, and so is each pediatric orthopedic surgery. We'll be here to answer your questions before and after surgery, and throughout your child’s recovery and rehabilitation. Just ask!
We look forward to sharing in your child's future following their surgery. We celebrate our patients as they increase their independence, build confidence and reach their greatest potential.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
Conditions We Treat with Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
Across our Shriners Children’s healthcare system locations, we treat more than 100 conditions with orthopedic surgery. Because our surgeons perform many different types of procedures and perform them frequently, their talents and expertise are finely tuned. The intricacies of orthopedic surgery for children are second nature to them.
Some of the conditions we treat include:
- Amputation (can be due to deformities, accidents or burns)
- Blount's disease (bowed legs)
- Brittle bone disease (Osteogenesis imperfecta)
- Cerebral palsy
- Club foot
- Congenital arm, leg, hand and foot differences
- Chest wall deformities
- Hip dysplasia
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- Scoliosis: infantile, juvenile, and adolescent
- Skeletal dysplasias (irregularly shaped bones)
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE, a hip condition)
- Spina bifida
- Sports injuries and fractures
Types of Orthopedic Surgeries We Perform
You'll collaborate with your child's surgeon and other care providers as you evaluate the treatments that will bring the best possible results, which may include surgery.
Your child may need specialized surgical care, such as the Ganz osteotomy, hip arthroscopy, limb lengthening, complex limb deformity reconstruction, or surgical hip dislocation. We also perform more common surgeries, which can include fracture care, cyst and benign bone lesion removals, and guided growth for abnormally shaped bones.
Two particular areas of expertise for our pediatric orthopedic surgeons are surgeries for cerebral palsy and scoliosis.
Surgical Treatments for Cerebral Palsy
One of the most advanced approaches to treating cerebral palsy with surgery is called a single-event multilevel surgery. Rather than your child having multiple surgeries over several years, we can combine multiple surgeries into a single operation. Our deep experience in the care of children with orthopedic conditions – plus advanced diagnostic tools like our motion analysis centers – allow us to determine the optimal timeframe for your child to have this surgery.
This approach lets us reduce the number of times your child might have to experience anesthesia and rehabilitation during their childhood. Ask your child’s care team if this is a potential option.
Surgical Treatments for Scoliosis
Scoliosis is another condition our physicians can treat with surgery, although we always first explore options that don’t involve surgery, including physical therapy with exercises specific to scoliosis correction or specialized bracing.
One of the latest surgical advancements in pediatric scoliosis treatment is the MAGEC System (MAGnetic Expansion Control); Shriners Children’s is a pioneer in this area. With this innovative technology, we can guide the growth of your child's spine without pain or rehabilitation, while reducing the number of surgeries they will face. One or two MAGEC rods are attached to the spine during surgery. As your child grows we can lengthen the rods using a magnet controller held outside of the body.
What to Expect After Surgery
The length of your child’s visit after surgery can vary from a few hours to an overnight or extended stay. This will depend on the type of surgery and the follow-up that's required.
They might begin rehabilitation during their time with us. Often, we can offer follow-up care services on site or at one of our clinics nearby, or our staff may be able to connect you with highly qualified and well-respected pediatric orthopedic care providers closer to your home. Speak to any member of your child’s care team to learn more.
Before surgery, I could not wear normal shoes. But now, I’m a shoe shopaholic!
Locations That Offer Orthopedic Surgery
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Shriners Children's provides specialty health care to children around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, services and support to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and help them reach their full potential.
Measuring a Body in Motion
Using data recorded by a motion capture camera system – similar to the ones used for digital animation – physicians can measure the severity of several orthopedic conditions and develop a plan for treatment.
Conditions We Treat
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Cerebral Palsy
At Shriners Children's, our team of specialists provides individualized care for your child with cerebral palsy.
Clubfoot / Club feet
Talipes equinovarus (TEV) is the medical term for "clubfoot," and Shriners Children's physicians are specialists in this common and treatable pediatric orthopedic condition.
Limb Deficiencies
Shriners Children's specializes in treating limb deficiencies, which occur when part or all of a child's limb does not completely form during pregnancy or as a result of a major injury.
Hip Dysplasia
Our award-winning, internationally recognized physicians will properly diagnose, treat and monitor your child’s hip condition to help prevent early arthritis pain and loss of function.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine is curved sideways. With advanced treatments and world-class expertise, Shriners Children's cares for more than 10,000 children with scoliosis each year
Spina Bifida
At Shriners Children's, our unique team of specialists provides the highest quality care for your child with spina bifida.
Fractures
Shriners Children's provides care for broken bones, including open or compound fractures.
Next Steps
Request an Appointment
Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.
Log in to the Patient Portal
Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.
Refer a Patient
Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.