Orthopedics

A message from our division chief

From straightforward broken bones to complex musculoskeletal infection, the Orthopedics division is consistently recognized both nationally and internationally. Together with our partners at Scottish Rite for Children, U.S. News & World Report has recognized our division as a top five program for more than a decade.

With our patients as our motivation, we consistently seek opportunities to improve and provide the next level of care. In conjunction with our pediatric Emergency Department and pediatric trauma surgery colleagues, our department provides world-class care for pediatric trauma patients in North Texas and beyond. Serving one of the highest volumes of pediatric fractures in the country, our highly specialized surgeons and advanced practice providers have expertise in all facets of orthopaedic trauma injuries, from routine fracture cast care to complex limb reconstruction.

Our unique orthopedic oncology program is transforming the outlook of lifesaving and limb-salvaging options for patients facing a sarcoma diagnosis. We are home to the only surgeon in North Texas to operate using magnetic expandable growing endoprostheses. This innovative approach allows the prostheses to grow with a patient, making a substantial impact on long-term surgical recovery. Additionally, this team is achieving outstanding outcomes through innovative reconstructive surgeries, utilizing the patient’s own fibula and growth plate.

Another innovation is our pilot use of a brace for femur fractures for our toddler and preschool-age patients. This allows quicker discharge following brace fitting and eliminates the need for extensive education on car seat safety and patient hygiene necessary when a traditional full-body cast is used.

On a larger scale, Children’s Health has initiated a Quality/National Excellence Council to utilize continuous improvement principles to elevate the patient care we provide. Over the next year, our division will deploy a series of process improvements to optimize multidisciplinary care under anesthesia and develop a method of rapid categorization for cases with Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis, among other measures.

The recognition of our division’s steadfast commitment to our patients motivates us to continually strive for the highest-quality clinical care.

Christine Ho, M.D.

OUTCOMES