Specialized Treatments at the Center for Children

The team at the Center for Children, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, is at the forefront of pioneering advances in the treatment of pediatric orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular conditions.

We offer a variety of progressive treatments and services, including the following.

Baclofen Pump for Spasticity and Dystonia

Baclofen, a muscle relaxant, helps control spasticity, which causes muscles to contract and be stiff, and dystonia, which results in involuntary muscle spasms. These symptoms occur in children with movement disorders.

The baclofen pump provides a continuous supply of medicine to the spinal canal. A neurosurgeon carefully places the pump, which is the size of a hockey puck, under the skin in your child's abdomen. The pump is refilled every 8 to 10 weeks by a member of our nursing staff.

Botox Injections

Children with neuromuscular condition, such as cerebral palsy, can experience painful, uncontrollable muscle spasms. Botox®, when used on surrounding muscle, can decrease spasms.

Genetic Testing and Counseling

Genetic mutations that occur before your child is born can result in birth defects, developmental delays, growth disturbances, and many other health problems. Getting an accurate diagnosis of your child’s genetic disorder is crucial to receiving the correct treatment. Experts from our Clinical Genetic Services diagnose conditions, manage treatments, and offer genetic counseling for children and families. For more information on genetic testing and counseling at the Center for Children, please call 212-598-6215.

Hip Preservation Techniques

Hip dysplasia is caused by the prenatal development of unnecessary tissue in the hip socket. Pain can start in childhood, but early treatment can help prevent your child from developing hip arthritis later in life. Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments are available.

Limb-Lengthening Techniques

We provide advanced techniques for limb lengthening in children with limb length inequalities and arm and leg deformities. Our goal is to improve function, increase ability, and prevent or delay arthritis in children.

We use several different limb-lengthening techniques.

Distraction Osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis, a surgical procedure, involves separating the bone slowly over time, allowing new bone to form and lengthen the leg.

PRECICE Nail

The PRECICE® nail is used to lengthen and straighten bones without the need for devices that remain on the outside of the leg or thigh. The expandable PRECICE® nail is surgically placed in the bone. A separate device acts as an external remote control, using magnets to periodically lengthen the implanted PRECICE® nail, and therefore the bone, from the outside. This is most often used to treat limb length inequality resulting from a number of congenital, developmental, or acquired conditions.

Taylor Spatial Frame

The Taylor Spatial Frame is a computer-assisted device that helps bones heal properly, lengthens bones, and corrects bones that are misshapen. A circular metal frame is attached to the bone and surrounds the outside of your child’s leg. Using a three-dimensional computer plan, your child’s doctor determines how to adjust the frame to achieve optimal results. The Taylor Spatial Frame is used to treat bone fractures.

Pediatric Rehabilitation

Pediatric rehabilitation is often prescribed for children with orthopedic and neurological conditions. Rehabilitation can help improve motor, intellectual, and social skills. We offer various types of treatment, including physical and occupational therapy, aquatic therapy, speech therapy, therapeutic electrical stimulation, and psychological services, such as psychotherapy, group therapy, and family therapy.

Ponseti Technique for Clubfoot

Our pediatric orthopedists are experts at using the Ponseti method as a treatment for clubfoot. This nonsurgical treatment involves gentle manual manipulation of your child’s foot, combined with plaster casting. The Ponseti method enables the foot to eventually develop normally.