Research at Nemours improves the health and health care of all children. By seeking new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood diseases and educating the next generation of leaders in the fields of children’s and public health, Nemours is making a difference today and establishing the opportunities to make a difference well into the future.

Our research program continues to grow in size and scope. Clinical questions continue to drive our efforts. Our growing research capability is a critical benefit to our patients’ well-being.

Insights Into Limb Length Discrepancies

Our Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine (TERM) Lab investigates pediatric disorders affecting muscle. This includes small collaborations with the Nemours Department of Orthopedics to investigate the iatrogenic effects of orthopedic limb lengthening. Nemours’ Center for Orthopedics Research and Development (CORD) also is involved in research and development of devices that will assist children with neuromuscular disabilities and orthopedic disorders, including leg length discrepancies.

A sensor that measures forces in healing bone is also being developed through CORD. This sensor measures forces during the leg lengthening process. This is a standard treatment in orthopedics when long bones are of unequal length. This study will help determine the procedure for optimal limb lengthening. This sensor has been tested on six sheep in preparation for a larger study that will include the design of an automated lengthener that will operate in response to readings from the proposed sensor. A patent is pending for this project.