Orthopedics Department Research, AI duPont Campus

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Orthopedics Department Research, AI duPont Campus
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Reshaping the Future of Pediatric Orthopedics Through Research

Researchers at Nemours Children’s in Delaware are globally recognized for transformative research in pediatric orthopedic conditions. Ranked in the Top 10 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, our team brings together clinical expertise and scientific innovation to improve outcomes for children with bone, joint, muscle, and neurological conditions. 

Our comprehensive approach spans from laboratory discoveries to clinical applications. Our team maintains a strong presence on the podium at major scientific meetings and publishes impactful work in orthopedic journals. This academic strength is built upon our leading roles in multicenter collaborations and national registries that collect and analyze data on thousands of children across North America.

We’ve established strategic partnerships with engineering teams, biomechanists, and data scientists at institutions including the University of Delaware, Villanova University, and the University of Calgary. These collaborations have furthered innovations in areas ranging from meniscal biomechanics to machine learning applications that improve surgical decision-making.

Our research hub is in Wilmington, Delaware at the Alfred I. duPont Campus located at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Every discovery we make here gives kids everywhere the best chance for improved mobility, function, quality of life, and long-term health.

Excellence in Pediatric Orthopedics Research: By the Numbers

With over $6.5 million in active funding, our team of physician-scientists, research coordinators, and clinical collaborators are solving the most challenging pediatric orthopedic conditions.

#10 

National ranking by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025) 

75+

Active research studies across our orthopedic specialties

51

Publications in peer-reviewed journals in 2024

15

Federal, foundation, and industry grants supporting our work 

Our research integrates advanced biomechanical analysis and machine learning to improve treatment decision-making and outcomes.


We're leading the field in understanding how disease-modifying therapies affect skeletal development in children with neuromuscular disorders.


Our researchers lead international collaborations in pediatric spine, cerebral palsy, and skeletal dysplasia research.


We combine clinical trials with translational research, including groundbreaking collaborations in meniscal biomechanics, spastic muscle properties, and 3D bioprinting.

Nemours Orthopedics Research News & Announcements

Center Leadership

Portrait of Suken Shah, MD

Suken A. Shah, MD, FAOA, FAAOS 

Shands/MacEwen Endowed Chair

Professor of Orthopedic Surgery 

Pediatrics Department Chair

Jeanne Franzone MD

Jeanne Franzone, MD

Director of Orthopedic Research

Portrait of Alice Taylor

Alice Taylor

Research Coordinator Lead

Research Coordinators

Research Team

Research Capabilities & Resources

Group of medical staff meeting

Our research is supported by specialized resources and collaborations that enhance our understanding of pediatric orthopedic conditions. We partner with leading institutions including Thomas Jefferson University, BC Children’s Hospital, Gillette Children’s Hospital, the University of Delaware, Villanova University, Washington University, Baylor College of Medicine, University of Calgary, and others. We leverage expertise and advanced technologies.

  • Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory: Our internationally recognized lab assesses movement patterns in children with neuromuscular disorders, guiding surgical decisions and evaluating treatments.
  • Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine Lab: With a state-of-the-art wet lab in collaboration with basic science and clinical researchers, we investigate the pathophysiologic properties of skeletal muscle contracture, machine learning for the early detection and diagnosis of cerebral palsy, and other translational research projects.
  • Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program: Investigating pathophysiologic properties of bone, muscle, joints, and cartilage for diagnoses such as skeletal dysplasias, arthrogryposis, osteogenesis imperfecta, cerebral palsy and more.
  • Patient registries and data analytics: We track conditions such as cerebral palsy, scoliosis, and hip dysplasia, analyzing long-term outcomes to improve treatment success. Some of the multicenter registries we are involved in include: the Harms Study Group, COMET trial, GHDR, SLIP, POISE and Rare Hip Registries within the Hip Hope Network, and others.