Leveraging Technology and Partnerships to Transform Pediatric Orthopedic Care

An interview with Allen A. Kadado, MD, director of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Orthopedic Innovation, director of the Nationwide Children’s Pediatric Orthopedic Residency Program

At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Department of Orthopedics drives pediatric health care innovation through collaborations that bridge clinical expertise and technological advancement. Specializing in areas like spinal deformities, trauma care and sports medicine, the team addresses unique developmental needs to create solutions tailored for children. Central to this effort is the Center for Orthopedic Innovation, which works alongside the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) to transform groundbreaking ideas into practical applications.

“Reimagining possibilities in pediatric orthopedic care is at the heart of what we do,” says Allen Kadado, MD, director of the Center for Orthopedic Innovation. Through an integrated approach combining clinical care, research and commercialization, the Orthopedics department is advancing a robust pipeline of innovations designed to improve care for young patients.

How does the Department of Orthopedics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital push the boundaries in pediatric health care?

The Department of Orthopedics addresses children’s unique needs with customized devices and procedures. Known for its expertise in spinal deformities, trauma and sports medicine, the department partners with OTC and other innovators to eliminate barriers to pediatric care, such as regulatory and economic challenges.

Dr. Kadado says, “Our team constantly reimagines what’s possible for children needing orthopedic care.”

OTC’s support has been instrumental in helping the department overcome regulatory and financial hurdles that have historically kept pediatric device innovation 5-10 years behind adult devices. With OTC’s expertise, the team is confident in navigating complex pathways that protect intellectual property and expedite device development for children.

What are some recent innovations in pediatric orthopedic care at Nationwide Children’s?

The department has developed several impactful innovations, including:

• 3D Scoliosis Biomechanical Model: This high-fidelity model enables enhanced training and surgical precision, offering physicians realistic practice scenarios for spinal correction. As a future standard for scoliosis simulation, it holds potential for fusion-less treatment options, a promising direction in pediatric scoliosis care.
• Brace Compliance Program: By combining wearable sensors with cloud analytics, this program monitors patient adherence to prescribed brace wear, sending timely alerts to caregivers if a patient deviates from treatment. The system supports better long-term outcomes by ensuring consistent treatment adherence.
• Ligamentum Teres Reconstruction for Hip Dysplasia: Using minimally invasive techniques, the team developed child-friendly solutions for hip dysplasia. This treatment approach improves children’s mobility and quality of life, especially for complex hip issues.
• Halo Gravity Traction Program for Home Use: Designed for medically complex young patients, this program allows for monitored traction therapy at home, enhancing patient and family experience while offering critical spinal treatment. The real-time monitoring capabilities provide caregivers peace of mind and ensure safe, effective use.

How does OTC help the Department of Orthopedics address barriers in pediatric device development?

The OTC plays a crucial role in overcoming challenges unique to pediatric device innovation, which include high development costs, extensive regulatory requirements, and a smaller market. These factors have traditionally delayed device innovation for children, often requiring clinicians to repurpose adult devices for pediatric use. The OTC provides a structured approach to navigating these regulatory and economic barriers, assisting in securing funding and guiding intellectual property strategies that support device development specifically for pediatric use.

“Protecting intellectual property can be tricky,” Dr. Kadado says, “but with OTC’s expertise, we confidently navigate these complexities and bring innovations to patients faster.”

The OTC’s support has been essential for projects like the 3D scoliosis model, helping the team efficiently move through regulatory pathways and protect
innovative designs.

What is the significance of OTC’s partnership with the Orthopedics team?

Monthly meetings between OTC and the Orthopedics team are essential to Nationwide Children’s innovation pipeline, allowing for fast-tracked movement from concept to patent submission, IP strategy and licensing. With OTC’s support, the team and two U.S. provisional patent applications. In these sessions, OTC also provides critical funding guidance, which prioritizes essential projects such as the 3D scoliosis model and the halo gravity traction device.

How is artificial intelligence (AI) integrated into the department’s innovations?

AI is integral to improving outcomes within the Department of Orthopedics, particularly in tracking adherence, analyzing device wear and tailoring patient support. Real-time compliance tracking provides timely alerts, allowing for rapid adjustments that help optimize outcomes. Additionally, partnerships with industry leaders in AI allow the department to incorporate advanced AI applications into preoperative planning and predictive modeling. These AI tools not only improve surgical precision and patient safety but also enhance clinicians’ ability to tailor procedures to individual needs, positioning the Department of Orthopedics as a leader in AI-driven health care solutions.

How does the Department of Orthopedics prepare future leaders in pediatric orthopedic innovation?

The Pediatric Orthopedic Clinical Innovation Fellowship provides a yearlong training program, giving participants hands-on exposure to research, IP management, prototyping and commercialization. The fellowship equips future leaders with the knowledge needed to handle every stage of device development.

“We’re training the next generation of orthopedic leaders who are skilled not only in clinical care but also in navigating the regulatory and business complexities of pediatric device innovation,” says Dr. Kadado.

Th is program is critical in creating a pipeline of clinicians and researchers prepared to lead advancements in pediatric orthopedics.

How does Nationwide Children’s collaborate with the Midwest Pediatric Device Consortium (MPDC)?

The MPDC, supported by Nationwide Children’s and The Ohio State University, expands the reach of the Orthopedics department’s innovations by connecting it with a larger network of universities, health care systems and industry partners. MPDC helps facilitate regulatory support, funding and mentorship, allowing clinicians and researchers to bring devices to market more quickly. This partnership reflects a commitment to making pediatric-specific devices accessible nationwide and highlights the importance of industry collaboration in transforming pediatric care.

What are the department’s top priorities moving forward?

The department is committed to creating user-friendly, less invasive devices specifically designed for pediatric patients. Collaborations with OTC and MPDC are crucial for realizing this vision by providing the resources necessary for prototyping, regulatory guidance and expanding market access. The department is also exploring advancements in AI-driven analytics, imaging modalities and fusion-less technology.

Dr. Kadado says, “We’re working toward a future where pediatric patients everywhere have access to the latest advancements in orthopedic care, tailored specifically to their needs.”

Conclusion

Through ongoing initiatives and partnerships with OTC, MPDC and AI industry leaders, Nationwide Children’s Orthopedics department is at the forefront of pediatric innovation, offering young patients the most advanced and effective orthopedic care available. Dr. Kadado and his team exemplify a dedication to a future where pediatric care meets the specific needs of every child, enhancing both immediate and long-term quality of life.