UH Rainbow Pediatric Research Highlights

Pediatric orthopaedic research update

Pediatric Orthopaedic Update | Winter 2021

By Connie Poe-Kochert, RN, CNP and Erin Gill, RN, MSN, CCRN

UH Rainbow Pediatric Orthopaedic Spinal Deformity Database, established in 1992, turns 25 this year!  It is the largest Pediatric Orthopaedic spine database in a single institution in the United States and includes extensive information on all pediatric patients with spinal deformity involved in treatment (bracing, casting and surgery). Utilizing information from the data base, 10 studies were published this past year, and multiple presentations and posters were accepted to national meetings.

2020 topics include:

• UH Rainbow's 25 years of experience with intrathecal morphine in 984 patients as a safe adjunct for pain management in select children undergoing spinal deformity. This project received the Best Pediatric Poster Award at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Society Annual Meeting.
• Surgical Site Infection Prevention Protocol for Pediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery. The UH Rainbow bundle, initiated in 2008, has been effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative spine surgical site infections.
• Risk Factors for Reoperation Following Final Fusion after the Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis with Traditional Growing Rods. It was the featured article in a recent issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

This extensive database provides an effective and efficient way to track patient outcomes, quality control, long term results and improve evidence based practice.

You can reach Connie Poe-Kochert or Erin Gill at 216-286-8189, or email Erin.Gill@UHhospitals.org.