In February 2025, Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH), part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH), and the Pediatric Orthopedic program, whose physicians are part of the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, launched a state-of-the-art Pediatric Orthopedic Multidisciplinary Program, located in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
This best practice initiative takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, hip dysplasia, scoliosis, fractures and other orthopedic and neuromuscular disorders including, but not limited to, arthrogryposis, upper limb congenital differences and tendon repairs. Children with those disorders and other complex neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions can receive comprehensive, coordinated care under one roof, offering families the convenience of having multiple specialists work together to ensure the best outcomes for their children. Pediatric Orthopedics at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital is recognized among the nation’s best children’s hospitals by US News & World Report.
“We are thrilled to offer families this unique and comprehensive approach to pediatric orthopedic care,” said Thomas McPartland, MD, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, RWJBarnabas Health. “By bringing together specialists from across disciplines, we are able to provide the highest level of care in a convenient and supportive environment.”
Individualized, Holistic Care Plans
The multidisciplinary pediatric orthopedic team includes experts from various specialties, such as orthopedic surgery, physiatry, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Together, these specialists develop individualized care plans using the latest evidence-based techniques and cutting-edge technologies, such as EOS imaging and gait analysis. With all services centralized in one location, the program ensures seamless communication among providers, allowing families to focus on caring for their child.
“This new partnership brings together nationally recognized experts in surgical and non-surgical treatments,” said Colin O’Reilly, DO, FAAP, FACOP, FCCM, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Children’s Specialized Hospital. “Children with a wide range of conditions, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and scoliosis, will benefit from the program’s holistic approach. Families can expect expert guidance on everything from mobility equipment and medical tone management to spinal deformity correction and limb reconstruction.”
Children’s Specialized Hospital therapists with advanced training also work closely with RWJBH pediatric orthopedic surgeons to complete custom splinting, orthosis fabrication and casting as needed for infants through young adults as part of their treatment or postsurgical needs.
“The multidisciplinary nature of this program allows us to deliver more efficient, wholistic, and personalized care,” said Ferd Ferrer, MD, Chief Pediatric Officer at RWJBarnabas Health. “By collaborating closely across specialties, we can tailor treatments to each child’s unique needs and maximize their functional outcomes.”
Children receiving care through this program will have access to a full spectrum of services, including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, surgery at the The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and ongoing physical and occupational therapy from CSH. Orthotists will also be on-site to address patients’ bracing needs.