Orthopedic care

Pediatric orthopedic specialists at Dell Children’s deliver bone and joint care for children – from bone fractures to spine care.

Child visiting with a pediatric orthopedic specialist at an Ascension site of care.

Pediatric orthopedic care at Dell Children's

Orthopedics at Dell Children's Medical Center is ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report 2023-24.

From fractures and trauma injuries to complex spine conditions and congenital conditions — fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeons at Dell Children’s Medical Center at Ascension Seton have the expertise to deliver advanced orthopedic care for children. That means your child will have a team highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic injuries and diseases. We provide a full range of orthopedic care – from nonsurgical treatments to advanced surgical care. 

For children with a bone fracture who need emergency care, Dell Children’s Medical Center’s ER is open 24/7. Your child’s ER care team can quickly evaluate your child’s injury and take X-rays and other imaging, if needed. Then, your child’s care team connects your child and family with the right specialists, including pediatric orthopedic surgeons. 

Orthopedic care for children and teens

When you choose Dell Children’s, your family is connected to the most comprehensive pediatric orthopedic program with the most pediatric orthopedic doctors in Central Texas. We start by listening to you and your child. Your child’s doctor may recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). All imaging is done on-site at Dell Children’s Medical Center. By getting a clear picture of your child’s injury or condition, we create a care plan that’s right for your child.

Our team includes pediatric orthopedic surgeons who specialize in:

  • Bone tumors and diseases
  • Congenital malformations
  • Dislocated hip and hip dysplasia 
  • Foot and ankle conditions, including club foot 
  • Simple and complex bone fractures
  • Genetic-related orthopedic conditions 
  • Hand, arm and shoulder conditions 
  • Leg length discrepancy and leg malformations 
  • Musculoskeletal tumors
  • Neuromuscular care
  • Spine and scoliosis 
  • Spina bifida 
  • Sports injuries
  • Trauma injuries
Some congenital conditions are diagnosed before birth. If an orthopedic condition has been detected in your baby during pregnancy, pediatric orthopedic specialists may become part of your care team. We work with your maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Dell Children’s to help make a diagnosis and prepare you for the care your baby may need after birth. Together, we discuss your child’s diagnosis and create a care plan.

Pediatric orthopedic surgery

Surgery may be recommended as part of your child’s care plan. Whenever possible, pediatric surgeons use minimally invasive procedures. Minimally invasive surgical techniques use small incisions and typically lead to a shorter recovery. Some conditions require a more complex surgery. Our pediatric orthopedic surgeons and care team collaborate to review your child's symptoms along with reviewing diagnostic evaluations to create a surgical plan that's right for your child. We have the expertise to perform even the most complex surgeries, including fractures, scoliosis, bone tumors, hip dysplasia, sports-related injuries, and congenital malformations of the bones.

Your child’s care team takes the time to explain the procedure to you and your child. Tell us your concerns and ask us your questions — big and small. We also explain what to expect before surgery and how to care for your child after surgery. And your child’s care team connects you with specialists in pediatric rehabilitation, pediatric physical therapy and more.

Care for scoliosis and spinal deformities

If your child has a spine condition, our team has the expertise to deliver advanced diagnosis and treatment for even the most complex pediatric spinal conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes pediatric orthopedic surgeons, pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatric psychologists, child life specialists, pediatric physical therapists and a spine nurse navigator.

Advanced imaging may be used to diagnose your child’s spine condition. Then, our team works together to create a personalized care plan for your child. Surgery or a combination of nonsurgical and surgical treatments may be part of your child’s care plan. Find out more about spine and scoliosis care at Dell Children’s.

Caring for the whole child

Certified child life specialists are part of our care team. These specialists are experienced in helping children manage fears, stress and other challenges while they are receiving care in the hospital. Child life specialists can help explain procedures to your child in a way they understand. And our specialists provide relaxation techniques and positive distraction methods.

Meet our care team

Matthew Ellington, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery; Sports Medicine

Matthew J. Geck, MD
Pediatric Scoliosis Surgery

James Gibson, MD, PhD
Genetics and Bone Disease

Hilton Gottschalk, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery; Hand and Upper Extremity

Steven Henry, MD
Pediatric Plastic Surgery; Hand

John A. Heydemann, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery

Brian Kaufman, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery; Spine and Scoliosis

Brian Kelley, MD
Pediatric Plastic Surgery; Hand

Kathleen D. Rickert-Madden, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery

Kirsten Ross, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery; Spine and Scoliosis

Catherine Sargent, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery; Sports Medicine

Jay Shapiro, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery; Spine and Scoliosis

Matthew Wallace, MD
Orthopedic Oncology and Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery

Ronald Williams, MD
Orthopedic Oncology and Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery

Orthopedic care