Physicians

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

Training

• MD, Duke University School of Medicine, 1976

Residency

• Orthopaedics, Duke University Medical Center, 1978-1982

Fellowship

• Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, 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.

Industry Relationships and Collaborations (What's this?)

This physician 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. Clin Orthop. 2001 May;(386):106-13. (2001) Abstract

Garberina MJ, Fitch RD, Hoffmann ED, Hardaker WT, Vail TP, Scully SP. Knee arthrodesis with circular external fixation. Clin Orthop. 2001 Jan;(382):168-78. (2001) Abstract

Kenter K, Worley G, Griffin T, Fitch RD. Pediatric traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation: five cases and a review. J Pediatr Orthop. 2001 Sep-Oct;21(5):585-9. (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. J Pediatr Surg. 2001 Sep;36(9):1381-6. (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. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1997 May;79(5):656-63. (1997) Abstract

4. Murrell, George AC MD, and Fitch RD, MD: Hip Fusion In Young Adults Utilizing a Medial Displacement Osteotomy and Cobra Plate. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research Vol 300, 147-154 March, 1994. (1994)

5. Saies AD MBBS, Urbaniak JR, MD, Nunley JA, MD, Taras JS, MD, Goldner RD, MD and Fitch RD, MD: Replantation and Revascularization In The Upper Extremity in Children. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Vol. 76-A, 1766-1776 December 1994. (1994)

3. Hardaker W, MD, Cook W MD, Friedman A, MD and Fitch RD, MD: Bilateral Transpedicular Decompression and Harrington Rod Stabilization in the Management of Severe Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures. Spine, Vol 17, No. 2, 162-171 February, 1992 (1992)

2. Fitch RD, MD, Turi M, MD, Bowman B, PAC and Hardaker W,MD: A Comparison of Cotrel-Dubousset versus Harrington Rod Instrumentation for the Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis. JPO 1990; 10:44-47. (1990)

1. Bolesta MJ, MD and Fitch RD, MD: Tibial Tubercle Avulsions. J. Ped. Orthop., Vol 6, 186-192 March, 1986. (1986)