Robert D. Fitch, MD
Chief, Pediatric Orthopaedics
Departments / Divisions- Orthopaedics
- Pediatrics / Pediatrics-Chairman Office
Address
DUMC 2911
Durham, NC 27710
Appointment Telephone
919-613-7797
Office Telephone
919-684-3104
Fax Telephone
919-681-8703
- MD, Duke University School of Medicine, 1976
- Orthopaedics, Duke University Medical Center, 1978-1982
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 1982-1983
Clinical Interests
Pediatric spine; adult, pediatric and adolescent scoliosis; hip, clubfoot, trauma; Ilizarov method for limb lengthening; deformity correction; speciality clinics for conditions including scoliosis, myelodysplasia, cerebral palsy, and (pediatric) amputations
Research Interests
My research interest center around limb lengthening and external fixation. Much is known about the biology of distraction osteogenesis. However, little is known about the effects on the soft tissues with limb lengthening techniques. In a dog model, we are investigating the effects of limb lengthening on muscle function, analizing amount of muscle lengthened per segment of bone lengthening, contractility, and strength. We also hope to begin studies assessing the effects of non steroidal anti-inflammatories on the quality of bone regenerate formed with distraction osteogenesis.
This faculty member has no reported relationships with industry.
Representative Publications
Dean, GS; Kime, RC; Fitch, RD; Gunneson, E; Urbaniak, JR. Treatment of osteonecrosis in the hip of pediatric patients by free vascularized fibular graft. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2001;106-113.
(2001)
Abstract
Garberina, MJ; Fitch, RD; Hoffmann, ED; Hardaker, WT; Vail, TP; Scully, SP. Knee arthrodesis with circular external fixation. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2001;168-178.
(2001)
Abstract
Kenter, K; Worley, G; Griffin, T; Fitch, RD. Pediatric traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation: five cases and a review. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 2001;21:585-589.
(2001)
Abstract
Worley, G; Wiener, JS; George, TM; Fuchs, HE; Mackey, JF; Fitch, RD; Oldham, KT. Acute abdominal symptoms and signs in children and young adults with spina bifida: ten years' experience. Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2001;36:1381-1386.
(2001)
Abstract
Ward, WT; Vogt, M; Grudziak, JS; Tümer, Y; Cook, PC; Fitch, RD. Severin classification system for evaluation of the results of operative treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip. A study of intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery: American Volume. 1997;79:656-663.
(1997)
Abstract
