Paediatric Orthopaedic Research
About us
The Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery research group is based at the Stollery Children’s and Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospitals. Including members from Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Radiology, Engineering, and more, our research strategy is based in collaborative, multidisciplinary clinical investigation. We aim to improve early, accurate diagnosis of paediatric musculoskeletal conditions and develop technology to optimize assessment and surgical outcomes in children’s orthopaedics, especially in underserved regions and patient groups.
The Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery group has two main sub-groups: the Paediatric Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Medicine Research Team of ß÷ßäÉçÇø (PORRTAL) and the ß÷ßäÉçÇø Paediatric Developmental Hip Dysplasia (DDH) study group. The latter is a collaboration with the NIDUS (Northern Institute for Deep Learning in Ultrasound) lab in the Department of Radiology.
PORRTAL investigates and develops technology used in the assessment and management of gait disorders in children and assesses outcomes of surgical and non-surgical management of these conditions, particularly neuromuscular disorders.
The DDH study group focuses on improving outcomes by enhancing early ultrasound and radiographic assessment of hip dysplasia through advanced tools, including real-time artificial intelligence image analysis with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS-AI).
How do we improve patient care + outcomes?
- Developing and implementing POCUS-AI as a powerful tool for health equity by bringing tertiary expertise to patients in remote and underserved areas.
- Expanding and optimizing the use of motion capture technology to assess children with complex orthopaedic conditions (such as cerebral palsy) pre- and postoperatively
- Evaluating outcomes of surgical and non-surgical interventions in children with gait disorders or foot deformities to improve personalization of surgical treatment plans
- Developing educational tools for parents/caregivers, community health professionals and orthopaedic specialists to improve the care of children with congenital and developmental orthopaedic conditions
Primary areas of interest
- The use of motion capture technology to assess outcomes of surgical and non-surgical interventions for paediatric gait disorders.
- Artificial intelligence image analysis (especially with POCUS) for infant hip dysplasia
- Improving personalization of treatment plans for infants and children with DDH and children with cerebral palsy and related disorders.
- Improving paediatric orthopaedic care for underserved populations and children with complex orthopaedic conditions such as cerebral palsy
Our latest work
Download the latest issue of the to view our current projects and funding partners as well as our recent publications, presentations, and abstracts.
Contact us
Research Lead
Sukhdeep Dulai, BSc, MD, MHSc, FRCSC
Professor, Division of Pediatric Surgery and Division of Orthopaedic Surgery