Our research
For more than a century, orthopedic surgeons and investigators at Boston Children's Hospital have played a vital role in the field of musculoskeletal research, pioneering treatment approaches and major advances in the care and treatment of ailments such as scoliosis, polio, tuberculosis, hip dysplasias, and traumas to the hand and upper extremities.
Our pioneering research helps answer the most pressing questions in pediatric orthopedics today — providing children with the most innovative care available.
The Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Department takes great pride in our basic science and clinical research leaders, who are recognized throughout the world for their respective achievements. Our orthopedic research team includes:
- eight full-time basic scientists
- 37 clinical investigators
- a team of research coordinators and statisticians
Clinical Effectiveness Research Center
The Clinical Effectiveness Research Center (CERC) helps coordinate research and clinical trials to improve the quality of life for children with musculoskeletal disorders. This collaborative clinical research program is unique in the nation and plays an instrumental role in establishing — for the first time — evidence-based standards of care for pediatric orthopedic patients throughout the world.
Major areas of focus for the CERC include:
- brachial plexus birth palsy research
- hip disorders research
- spinal disorders research
- upper extremity disorders research
Orthopedic Basic Science Laboratories
Working in our basic science laboratories are some of the leading musculoskeletal researchers in the nation. Our orthopedic labs include: