New Program Focuses on Pediatric Limb Reconstruction

A new program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is helping some of the most complex pediatric orthopedic patients: those who need limb lengthening and reconstruction.

The program began in 2019 and is part of the Jackie and Gene Autry Orthopedic Center. It offers both surgical and nonsurgical treatment for managing complex lower-limb deformities—including knock knees, bow legs, limb length discrepancy, complex congenital malformations and post-traumatic deformities.

Only a few pediatric hospitals in the nation specialize in these procedures.

“We’ve been growing quickly,” says Orthopedic Surgeon Oussama Abousamra, MD. “Previously, children with these rare conditions in Los Angeles have often traveled thousands of miles for surgery and treatment. Our program allows these children and families to receive comprehensive care much closer to home.”

One key to success is its team approach—including surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, orthotists, prosthetists, psychologists and more. In addition, the group takes advantage of the Center’s John C. Wilson Jr. Motion and Sports Analysis Lab, which provides state-of-the-art gait analysis.

Some of the surgeries the team has performed include bone lengthening and deformity correction using an external fixator or intramedullary nail, as well as hip, knee and foot reconstruction for congenital limb deficiency.

“These surgeries are often quite complex,” Dr. Abousamra notes. “It’s very important for patients to be treated by a team that specializes in these cases and offers the pre- and postoperative support to ensure the best outcomes.”              

Dr. Abousamra joined Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in 2018 after completing three pediatric orthopedic fellowships—at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Johns Hopkins University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where he studied complex limb reconstruction under Christopher Iobst, MD.

To refer a patient to the limb lengthening and reconstruction program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, please call 323-361-2142.