Karl Rathjen, M.D.
Staff Orthopedist, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Orthopedics, UT Southwestern Medical Center

STUDY 1

Title: Prospective Evaluation of Infants Treated with a Pavlik Harness
Summary: A Pavlik harness is the initial treatment for infants less than six months of age with developmental dislocation of the hip. Although the Pavlik harness is widely known to be effective in the short-term, few studies have looked at patients treated with a Pavlik harness at or near skeletal maturity. This study will follow all patients treated with a Pavlik harness with our institution. The goals of this study are to: 1) Define the success rate of the Pavlik harness for infants with developmental dislocation of the hip, 2) Confirm the known risk factors associated with failure of the Pavlik harness, 3) Identify the rates of complications associated with use of the Pavlik Harness and 4) Define the incidence of "late dysplasia" in the adolescent or young adult who was treated with a Pavlik harness as an infant.

STUDY 2

Title: The natural history of Spinal Deformity in Young Adults with Spina Bifida
Summary: Spinal deformity is a common occurrence in patients with myelomeningocele. However, little is known about the natural history of untreated spinal deformity in patients with spina bifida. This study will assess young adults with myelomeningocele from a functional and radiographic perspective in order to identify risk factors for progression of spinal deformity or development of symptoms.

STUDY 3

Title: The Natural History of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in the Lumbar Spine
Summary: Although the natural history of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has frequently been studied, the natural history of untreated lumbar curves is not well documented. This study will define the natural history (functionally and radiographically) of the untreated lumbar curve in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.