Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics

The Pediatric Orthopaedic faculty at Vanderbilt train residents and fellows to provide care for the full spectrum of pediatric orthopedic conditions and pathology, and prepare them to be academic and medical leaders in the field.

From the simple to the complex, we’ll help you further develop your skills in diagnosing, treating and managing conditions in infants, children and adolescents, including developing a bedside manner that puts children and their families at ease. 

Our faculty are well-recognized experts in the care of all aspects of the musculoskeletal diseases and trauma in children, with national and international exposure. We work closely with colleagues in medical genetics, neurology, pediatrics and rheumatology. We use the most current techniques, including magnetic lengthening rods for scoliosis, limb lengthening procedures, periacetabular osteotomies for hip conditions.  

The Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics works from Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Our children's hospital is an ACS Verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. We are one of 63 children's hospitals in the nation with Level I verification, and one of two pediatric trauma centers in Tennessee.

We also provide outpatient sub-specialty outpatient clinics in Franklin and Hendersonville and an outpatient sub-specialty clinic and surgery center at Murfreesboro.

Areas of Specialty

Our faculty specializes in a wide range of pediatric orthopedic conditions, including:

  • Brachial plexus
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Complex care
  • Congenital abnormalities (foot, hand)
  • Fractures
  • Hemophilia
  • Hip dysplasia and other hip conditions
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Musculoskeletal infections
  • Osteogenesis imperfecta
  • Rheumatologic conditions
  • Scoliosis
  • Spina bifida
  • Spine conditions and injuries
  • Sports injuries 
  • Trauma injuries

Our Research

Our research includes analyses and clinical outcome studies for many pediatric orthopedic conditions. Areas of interest include biomechanical analysis of instrumentation for spinal fusion, evaluating surgical treatments for clubfoot, scoliosis and vertical talus; infection and trauma.

Our team focuses on basic science and clinical outcomes projects, such as Dr. Jonathan Schoenecker’s bone biology studies of coagulation and orthopedic wounds.