Peds Ortho

This special episode brings you inside the 79th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM), held in New Orleans, October 15–18, 2025. Join host Tyler McDonald from the University of South Alabama as he attends his first AACPDM meeting and highlights the moments, conversations, and clinical insights most relevant to pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Hosted, recorded, and produced by Tyler McDonald. Intro music by A. A. Aalto. Additional royalty-free music provided by Pixabay.

Link to Jon David's diagnostic matrix for gait analysis: https://journals.lww.com/jbjsjournal/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2003&issue=11000&article=00028&type=Citation

All about gymnastics! We interview Dr. Elspeth Hart from Boston Children's on her latest article on Gymnastics Medicine and what to look out for when treating gymnasts in the orthopedic setting. We also highlight recent articles on the urgency of stable SCFE, a lesser-known method for pinning supracondylar humerus fractures, and short versus long leg casting for distal tibia physeal fractures. Your hosts are Tyler McDonald (University of South Alabama), and Stephanie Logterman (Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children), Josh Holt (University of Iowa), and Carter Clement (Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans). Music by A. A. Aalto.

Gymnastics Upper Extremity Article mentioned: Hart E, Bauer AS, Bae DS. Common upper extremity gymnastics injuries and gymnastic specific return to play protocols. J Pediatr Soc North Am. 2024 Feb 28;6:100016. doi: 10.1016/j.jposna.2024.100016. PMID: 40433250; PMCID: PMC12088353.

Link to the non profit Gymnastics Medicine: Education and Research: GymnasticsMedicine.org

Link to learn more about the 7th annual Gymnastics Medicine Symposium (use code "Gym15" to save 15% if interested in signing up!): Symposium 2025 - Gymnastics Medicine

References:

1. Hart E, Bair K, Broz J, Griffith K, Herrera-Set A, Lattimore D, Melvin E, Sweeney E. Gymnastics Medicine: A New Subspecialty in Sports Medicine. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2025 May 1;24(5):126-134. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000001249. PMID: 40323057.

2. White AB, Keil LG, Bardsley H, Selberg C, Mansour A, Brooks AC, Manickam R, Mayassi HA, Zhao L, Uchtman M, Whitlock P, Stone J. How Urgent Are Stable SCFEs? A Multisite Retrospective Study of Surgical Timing and Complications Among Patients With Stable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. J Pediatr Orthop. 2025 Sep 1;45(8):485-491. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002997. Epub 2025 May 1. PMID: 40314216.

3. Grewal RS, Kitchen BT, Bomar JD, Cidambi EO, Dexter MJ, Edmonds EW, Pring ME, Upasani VV, Wallace CD, Pennock A. Displaced Distal Tibia Physeal Fractures: Short Leg Versus Long Leg Casting-A Prospective Study. J Pediatr Orthop. 2025 Aug 1;45(7):e614-e617. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002961. Epub 2025 Apr 7. PMID: 40191914.

4. Muto S, Niwa S, Fujihara Y, Ota H, Kumagai H. Comparative Analysis of Postoperative Rotational Malalignment in Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: Cross Pinning Versus Lateral Para-olecranon Pinning. J Pediatr Orthop. 2025 Sep 1;45(8):458-465. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000003000. Epub 2025 May 5. PMID: 40323798.

Dr. Lindsay Andras from Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles joins the show to discuss her recent randomized control trial comparing outcomes of functional bracing and spica casting for pediatric femoral shaft fractures. Drs. Andras and co-author Dr. Julia Sanders share insights from their experience conducting a randomized control trial and the pearls and pitfalls of implementing the functional brace. The lightning round highlights articles on spinal involvement in hereditary multiple osteochondromas, outcomes of pediatric multi-ligamentous knee injuries, and the impact of Pavlik harness treatment on breastfeeding efficacy.

Your hosts are Will Morris (Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas), Julia Sanders (Children’s Hospital of Colorado), Tyler McDonald (University of South Alabama), and Steph Logterman (Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children). Music by A. A. Aalto.

Disclosure: Drs. Lindsay Andras and Julia Sanders each receive royalties from Orthopediatrics who produce a version of the fracture brace discussed in this episode.

References:

1. Andras LM, Sanders JS, Phan TN, Purtell SR, Gasca J, Wren TAL, Sim AT, Skaggs D, Kramer A, Chavez M, Kay R. A Prospective, Randomized Comparison of Functional Bracing and Spica Casting for Femoral Fractures Showed Equivalent Early Outcomes. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jun 26;107(16):1769-1776. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01081. PMID: 40570075.

2. Casey VF, Chandler CC, Graham GD, Frick SL. Dynamic Femur Fracture Brace vs Hip Spica Cast for Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fractures: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study. J Pediatr Soc North Am. 2025 May 23;12:100203. doi: 10.1016/j.jposna.2025.100203. PMID: 40704087; PMCID: PMC12284357.

3. Lang PJ, Feroe A, Franco H, Hussain ZB, Tepolt FA, Kocher MS. Outcomes of Operative Management of Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries in an Adolescent Population: A Retrospective Case Series. J Pediatr Soc North Am. 2024 Feb 5;5(4):742. doi: 10.55275/JPOSNA-2023-742. PMID: 40432936; PMCID: PMC12088175.

4. Bram JT, Tracey OC, Trotzky Z, Jones RH, Jochl O, Cirrincione PM, Nichols E, Dodwell ER, Scher DM, Doyle SH, Sink EL. Pavlik Harness Treatment for Infantile Hip Dysplasia Lowers Breastfeeding Self-efficacy. J Pediatr Orthop. 2025 Sep 1;45(8):e701-e705. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002976. Epub 2025 Apr 21. PMID: 40256838.

5. Legler J, Benaroch LR, Pirshahid AA, Serhan O, Cheng D, Bartley D, Carey T, Rasoulinejad P, Singh S, Thornley P. Rate of Spinal Osteochondromas Diagnosed in Pediatric Patients With Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pediatr Orthop. 2025 Sep 1;45(8):e718-e723. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002975. Epub 2025 Apr 23. PMID: 40266849.

Deep Dive in DDH is a three part limited series where experts in the field of DDH have been invited to discuss the controversies in the management of hip dysplasia. Episode 1 discusses the management of DDH in infants under 6 months of age from stable sonographic dysplasia through refractory developmental hip dislocation. We are joined by Kishore Mulpuri from BC Children's hospital, Simon Kelley from Texas Children's Hospital, and Wudbhav Sankar from Children's hospital of Philadelphia as we discuss areas of consensus and discord in Pavlik harness treatment, second line therapy, and what to do when problems arise.

Dr. Reid Nichols from Nemours joins the show to discuss her recent article on Ponseti treatment of arthrogrypotic clubfeet. The discussion spans numerous foot pathologies including bunions, coalitions, flatfeet, and some stuff you've probably never heard of! The gang is also excited to welcome a new host, Steph Logterman, to the podcast!

Your hosts are Carter Clement (Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans), Tyler McDonald (University of South Alabama), Craig Louer (Vanderbilt), and Steph Logterman (Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children). Music by A. A. Aalto.

References:

The 10-Year Functional Outcome of Ponseti Treatment of Idiopathic and Arthrogrypotic Clubfeet With an Age-Matched Control. Church et al. JPO 2025.

Surgical Treatment for Painful Pediatric Pes Planovalgus: How Does Subtalar Extra-articular Screw Arthroereisis Compare to the Standard Technique of Modified Evans Reconstruction? Nasreddine et al. JPO 2025.

Bedside Aspiration for Workup of the Pediatric Septic Hip: Avoid Trips to the OR and Expedited Time to Diagnosis. K Skaggs et al. JPO 2025.

Timing Matters: Challenges in Delayed Surgical Management of Pediatric Humeral Medial Epicondyle Fractures. Lee et al. JPO 2025.

Part 2 of a 2-part series recapping the 2025 POSNA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. In this episode, we sit down with the 2025 Program Committee — Drs. Julie Samora, Tony Riccio, John Vorhies, and Christine Ho — to hear what’s new and what makes this year’s meeting stand out. Drs. Lindsay Andras, Apurva Shah, Firoz Miyanji, and Christine Ho highlight some standout presentations from the Awards Papers session. Drs. Stu Weinstein and John Birch share their thoughts on memorable Case Reports and how this new format adds a unique dimension to the meeting. We also chat with Dr. Jon Schoenecker, winner of the Best Basic Science Paper, and Dr. Dan Sucato, winner of the Best Clinical Paper, to learn more about their award-winning research. Hosted by Tyler McDonald (University of South Alabama) and Will Morris (Scottish Rite for Children). Music by A. A. Aalto.

Part 1 of a 2-part series recapping the 2025 POSNA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. In this episode, we’re joined by Drs. Julia Sanders and David Spence (Trauma Session), Drs. Amy McIntosh and Lorena Flocarri (Spine Session), Drs. Ray Liu and Sean Tabaie (Neuromuscular and Lower Extremity Session), and Drs. Eduardo Novais and Eric Fornari (Hip Session) to discuss highlights from their respective sessions. Hosted by Tyler McDonald (University of South Alabama) and Will Morris (Scottish Rite for Children). Music by A. A. Aalto.

April 2025 Show Notes

Drs. Jill Larson and Vineeta Swaroop from Northwestern University and Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago join the podcast for a journal club-style discussion of their group’s studies concerned with care for children with Spina Bifida and Neuromuscular Conditions. The lightening round articles touch on determination of femoral anteversion in the operating room, regional anesthesia for hip surgeries, and the value of tapping for pedicle screws during spine deformity surgery.

Your hosts are Craig Louer (Vanderbilt University), Carter Clement (Manning Family Children's Hospital in New Orleans), Tyler McDonald (University of South Alabama), and Will Morris (Scottish Rite for Children).

Main Event – Spina Bifida Journal Club

Lightning Round

Dr. Jeff Martus from Vanderbilt University joins the podcast to discuss his recent article on comparative outcomes between plating and intramedullary nails for the treatment of forearm fractures in children and adolescents. The theme for the episode is trauma and touches on management of a variety of fractures including lateral condyles, supracondylar humerus fractures, pelvic and acetabular trauma, and even the pitfalls of mutton bustin’.

Your hosts are Will Morris (Scottish Rite for Children). Tyler McDonald (University of South Alabama), Craig Louer (Vanderbilt), and Julia Sanders (University of Colorado). Music by A. A. Alto.

References:

Dr. Aaron Huser from Washington University in St. Louis joins us to discuss his recent article on the 2-year outcomes of a surgical technique for treating knee flexion contracture in patients with arthrogryposis. This episode also includes a surprise drop-in from Dr. Perry Schoenecker.

We also highlight recent studies on arthrogryposis, radiolucent lesions in children with osteogenesis imperfecta, and rod deformation after cutting.

Your hosts are Tyler McDonald (University of South Alabama), Craig Louer (Vanderbilt), Carter Clement (Manning Family Children's Hospital in New Orleans), and Will Morris (Texas Scottish Rite in Dallas).

Music by A. A. Aalto.

References:

1) Increasing the Knee Arc of Motion in Patients With Arthrogryposis: Minimum 2-year Follow-up. Huser et al. JPO. 2025 Feb. PMID: 39466235.

2) Analysis of Scoliosis Rod Deformation After Cutting with a Surgical Rod Cutter. Egan et al. Spine Deformity. 2025 Jan. PMID: 39881049.

3) Do Not Forget the Spine MRI in Children with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita: High Prevalence of Tethered Spinal Cord and Preliminary Clinical Findings Following Detethering. Nugraha et al. JPO. 2025 Feb. PMID: 39380182.

4) Evaluation of Radiolucent Lesions in Cortices of Long Bones in Osteogenesis

5) Long-term Clinical and Radiographic Results of Posteromedial Lateral Release for Neuromuscular Clubfoot Deformity. May et al. JPO. 2025 Feb. PMID: 39501684.