Orthopedics

Nemours has played a distinguished role as an international leader in the field of orthopedics. The first medical endeavor undertaken by the Nemours foundation was the creation of the duPont Institute, founded in 1940 as a “hospital for crippled children”. It was launched by renowned physicians in the developing field of orthopedics. For more than 40 years, the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children was devoted exclusively to children’s orthopedics and long provided regional, national and international leadership in the field. Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children is listed in the History, Genealogy and Evolution of Children’s Orthopaedics in North America as one of the current ten “Leading Children’s Orthopedic Fellowship Training Centers.” Today the department accounts for more than 40,000 visits annually.

Pediatric orthopedics is a branch of medicine dedicated to the treatment of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal problems. Children who are born with abnormal bones, joints, or muscles, or who develop them as a result of disease or injury are cared for by pediatric orthopedists. Part of the orthopedist’s mission is to recognize these conditions and treat them early. The goal of treatment is the restoration of function, and when possible, an improved quality of life. This is accomplished through dedicated clinical care, latest research and training.

Specialty programs and services in orthopedics attract patients from across the country and around the world to the duPont Hospital for Children. The department has fulfilled the vision of Alfred I. duPont to provide the highest quality, most compassionate care for children. It continues under the leadership of the present outstanding orthopedics faculty, to fulfill that mission by expanding its geographic reach through collaboration with partner organizations, and by developing technological and procedural expertise that is unparalleled.

Areas of expertise include scoliosis and other spinal deformities; limb length discrepancies and limb deformity; management of complex fractures, including growth plate fractures; residuals of injuries or infections; congenital clubfoot, and other complex foot problems; skeletal dysplasia; cerebral palsy; gait analysis; arthrogryposis; Osteoigenesis Imperfecta; and bone tumors.

Nemours locations offer a range of orthopedic services. Please refer to the sites listed to the left for specific services available at each location.