Staff from CHOP’s Orthopedic Center published widely in 2024; this is a sampling of some of their groundbreaking research.

CHOP study explores how trochlear development affects skeletally immature patients.

CHOP researchers study fixation techniques for avulsion factures of ischial tuberosity.

Treating infants with complex developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) requires the best diagnostic tools, a full range of brace options and when needed, complex surgery.

Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) demonstrated how trochlear anatomy evolves during pediatric development with and without recurrent patellofemoral instability (PFI), a condition where the kneecap repeatedly slips out of its groove, causing pain, swelling and difficulty with physical activity. The findings, recently reported in a landmark study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, highlighted that PFI in growing children worsens trochlear dysplasia, which can result in further kneecap instability, while those without PFI experienced natural improvements.

Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia today announced results from the first ever international survey of trochleoplasty experts, which they hope will help guide current practice and future research regarding this procedure.

Three pediatric sports medicine leaders from CHOP share perspectives about how youth athletes have changed, how the field has evolved, and predictions for the future.

The rapid rise of youth sports has led to increased prevalence of repeat knee-related injuries among children and adolescents, notably those ages 10- to 17. In fact, patellar (kneecap) instability is one of the most common causes of physical trauma in this age group – six times higher than adults. Currently, most clinicians rely on advanced imaging to guide their treatment approach, which can be costly and is not usually available in a clinic. However, researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, revealed that ultrasound technology offers a transformative solution since it’s inexpensive and portable, compared to MRI and CT scans, and clinicians can track knee injuries and their response to treatment over time within a clinic.

Researchers in the Orthopedic Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) found that white youth from wealthier socioeconomic areas were more likely to be prescribed opioids in the emergency room for supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures, a broken elbow, compared with their same-age, non-white, peers from disadvantaged regions. The authors will present their abstract at the 2024 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.

Researchers in the Division of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and Performance Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) announced results from a large retrospective study of patients surgically treated for Patellar Sleeve Fractures (PSFs), rare knee fractures that occur when a piece of bone and cartilage separates from kneecap. They found that in most pediatric patients with displaced fractures, surgery was effective in restoring full range of motion (ROM) and enabled them to return to their regular activities.