Orthopedics Research, Florida
- About Us
- Our Research
Innovating Pediatric Musculoskeletal Care
At 91´óÉñ Children’s in Florida, our researchers are working to transform treatments for children with musculoskeletal conditions. We combine clinical expertise with cutting-edge technologies — from custom orthotic design to bioabsorbable implants — to better serve the unique needs of growing children.
Our collaborations with the University of Central Florida and other partners strengthen our ability to apply emerging tools like artificial intelligence and 3D modeling to pediatric orthopedics.ÌýWe also foster the next generation of innovators through extensive educational partnerships and hands-on research experiences for students and fellows.
Through research and innovation, we aim to give every child greater strength, mobility, and opportunity.
Our Leadership
John Lovejoy
Chair, Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Florida
Mona Mathew, PhD
Program Manager, Orthopedics Research, Florida
Research Team
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Eric A. Loveless, MD
Division Chief - Orthopaedics - Jacksonville FLPrimary Office
Jacksonville, FL
Join Us
Advancing Orthopedics Care for Kids
Our research targets the everyday challenges children face when living with bone, joint, and muscle conditions. By focusing on mobility, healing, and early diagnosis, we’re working to create better outcomes, both now and as kids grow.
Focus Areas
- Orthotic innovations for children with cerebral palsy:ÌýDesigning next-generation ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) that enhance mobility, stability, and comfort for children with cerebral palsy.
- Artificial intelligence in pediatric orthopedics:ÌýDeveloping AI-driven models that analyze pediatric X-rays to help clinicians diagnose musculoskeletal conditions earlier and guide treatment planning.
- Bioabsorbable implant development:ÌýExploring magnesium-based implants that naturally dissolve after healing, reducing the need for additional surgeries and improving recovery.
- Physical therapy after limb lengthening: Improving joint range of motion in children following limb lengthening surgery, reducing complications and improving long-term gait outcomes.
- Multicenter data collaboration: Contributing to multicenter databases and registries to advance pediatric orthopedic care through large-scale research efforts, including:
- Sports medicine: Studying outcomes of arthroscopic treatment for pediatric meniscal injuries to refine treatment protocols and improve functional recovery.
- Spine conditions: Collecting prospective data on bone age, curve size, and bracing adherence in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to develop predictive models for surgical progression.
Research Themes
- Personalizing pediatric care through technology
- Innovating to reduce surgical burden
- Advancing mobility solutions for neuromuscular conditions
- Non-surgical approach for scoliosis patients
- Retrospective studies to gain knowledge and improve therapies
Education & Training
We are committed to developing the next generation of clinician-researchers through hands-on educational and research opportunities at every level:
Medical studentsÌýfrom institutions such as the University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, and Midwestern University engage in data collection and research under the mentorship of 91´óÉñ orthopedic surgeons, often presenting their work at conferences and in publications.
FIRE program participantsÌýfrom UCF gain experience across the full research process, from IRB submission to publication.
Undergraduate studentsÌýinterested in research take part in our Paid Summer Program, gaining exposure to clinical and translational research.
Research and clinical fellowsÌýwork on independent and team-based studies and are encouraged to apply for competitive funding through 91´óÉñ Internal Awards.
Clinical Trials & Research Studies at 91´óÉñ
Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. Our researchers lead clinical research to study new drugs, treatments, devices, and techniques. We also contribute to national registries and collaboratives to further research in this area. Find a clinical trial or study now.
Related Research & Clinical Focus
Research at 91´óÉñ often aligns with multiple research areas, affiliated labs, and clinical programs to support discovery and care systemwide.
Orthopedic Center, Florida
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric orthopedic care for bone, joint, and movement conditions at 91´óÉñ Children’s Hospital, Florida and throughout North and Central Florida.
Orthopedics Research
RESEARCH AREA
Our teams study bone, joint, and muscle development to improve care for children with orthopedic conditions through innovation and collaboration.
Radiology Research
RESEARCH AREA
Our researchers advance pediatric imaging by developing safer, clearer techniques that improve diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of childhood conditions.