Clinical Research

2024-2025 COSSA Research Publications

CHORTHO Cares supports pediatric orthopaedic research and education aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions affecting children and adolescents. Our physicians participate in collaborative research, clinical studies, national registries, quality-improvement initiatives, and scientific presentations with pediatric orthopaedic specialists and institutions across the country.

Outcomes of Growth-Friendly Surgery and Posterior Spinal Fusion in Children With Rett Syndrome and Early Onset Scoliosis
Patel K, Bouton D, Fitzgerald R, Guillaume T, Gupta P, Perra J, Szczodry M, Li Y; Pediatric Spine Study Group. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 2025.
DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000003086
Matched Comparison of Non-Fusion Surgeries for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Posterior Dynamic Distraction Device and Vertebral Body Tethering
Todderud JE, Larson AN, Haft G, El-Hawary R, Price N, Anderson JT, Fitzgerald R, Chan G, Lonner B, Albert M, Hoernschemeyer D, Milbrandt T. Spine Deformity. 2024;12(Suppl 1):1–32.
DOI: 10.1007/s43390-024-00972-2
Rib-on-Pelvis Deformity and Reported Pain in Neuromuscular Early-Onset Scoliosis
Desai VM, Bowen M, Anari JB, Flynn JM, Brooks JT, Snyder B, Ramo B, Li Y, Andras LM, Truong WH, Fitzgerald R, El-Hawary R, Roye B, Yaszay B, Kwan KYH, McIntosh A, Nelson S, Gupta P, Erickson M, Garg S, Cahill PJ; Pediatric Spine Study Group. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 2024;44(10).
DOI: 10.1097/BPO.000000000000276
Management of Pediatric Type III Tibial Shaft Fractures: A Cohort Study Utilizing the Trauma Quality Improvement Program Database
MacIsaac MF, Wright JM, Halsey JN, Fitzgerald RE, Snyder CW, Rottgers SA. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2024;93(4):501-509.
DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004102
Development of Consensus-Based Best Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative and Postoperative Care of Pediatric Patients With Spinal Deformity and Programmable Implanted Devices
Truong WH, Matsumoto H, Brooks JT, Guillaume TJ, Andras LM, Cahill PJ, Fitzgerald RE, et al. Spine. 2024;49(23):1636-1644.
DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000005061
Bilateral Rib-to-Pelvis Growth-Friendly Spinal Surgery for Congenital Kyphosis in the Child With Myelomeningocele Delays but Does Not Prevent a Definitive Procedure
Karlin LI, Fitzgerald RE, Smith JT; Pediatric Spine Study Group. Spine Deformity. 2025;13(3):887-896.
DOI: 10.1007/s43390-024-01017-4

Research Conferences and Presentations

Our physicians also share research findings through regional, national, and international scientific meetings.

Rapid Recovery Pathway for Postoperative Pain Management in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery
Nordass J, Martinez P, Hahn G, Fitzgerald RE. Florida Orthopedic Society 2025 Annual Meeting.
Matched Comparison of Non-Fusion Surgeries for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Posterior Dynamic Distraction Device and Vertebral Body Tethering
Todderud J, Larson N, Haft G, El-Hawary R, Price N, Anderson JT, Fitzgerald R, et al. 18th International Congress on Early Onset Scoliosis and the Growing Spine. Scottsdale, Arizona. November 2024.
2-Year Follow Up from a Prospective Study on a Posterior Dynamic Distraction Device for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Neal K, El-Hawary R, Chan G, Haft G, Oswald T, Larson A, Fitzgerald R, et al. 2024 Combined EPOSNA Meeting. May 2024.
Non-Fusion Posterior Correction Is a Safe and Effective Method of Treating Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Fitzgerald R, Chan G, Haft G, Oswald TS, Neal K, Larson AN, Jones A, Price N, Lonner B, Hardesty C, Milbrandt T, Anderson JT, Albert M, El-Hawary R. Poster #62.
Results of a Non-Fusion Posterior Approach Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Update of the First 80 Patients with 2-Year Follow-up from a Prospective Clinical Trial
Fitzgerald RE, Chan G, Haft G, Oswald T, Neal KM, Larson AN, Jones A, Price N, Lonner BS, Hardesty CK, Milbrandt TA, Anderson JT, Albert M, El-Hawary R. E-Poster #62. International Congress of Early Onset Scoliosis. Scottsdale, Arizona. November 2024.

Clinical Trials, Studies & Registries we are part of:

Participation in collaborative clinical research allows our physicians to contribute to studies designed to improve pediatric orthopaedic care and outcomes.

Personalized Perioperative Analgesia Platform (PPAP) FOR Pediatric Spine Fusion Surgery (sIRB)
A clinical research study focused on perioperative pain management for children undergoing spine fusion surgery.
Lead Site: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05367609
IMPACCT – Cast or Operation for Medial Epicondyle Fracture Treatment in Children
Part of the Infrastructure for Musculoskeletal Pediatric Acute Care Trials (IMPACCT), this study evaluates treatment approaches for medial epicondyle fractures in children.
Lead site: Lurie Childrens’s Hospital of Chicago
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05131672
Pediatric Spine Study Group Registry
Participation in Pediatric Spine Study Group research, including Research Interest Groups focused on Early Onset Scoliosis and Neuromuscular Scoliosis.
PRISM Pediatric Knee Arthroscopy Complications Quality Improvement Registry
A quality-improvement registry focused on pediatric knee arthroscopy complications.
Lead Site: Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
The Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in Pediatric Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery: Implications for Surgical Outcomes
This study examines whether low Vitamin D levels affect recovery and surgical outcomes in children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery. Researchers will evaluate Vitamin D levels before surgery and follow patients after surgery to better understand whether Vitamin D deficiency is associated with recovery time or complications. The research may help inform future recommendations regarding Vitamin D supplementation before pediatric spine surgery.
Supported by: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
IRB: IRB00512481