Orthopedic Oncology at Children's Hospital Colorado
Principal Investigators
Nathan Donaldson, DO
Principle Investigator
Principle Investigator
Steven Thorpe, MD, FACS
Principle Investigator
Principle Investigator
Research Professional
Mia Lundin, BS
Research Professional
Research Professional
Hanna Gratny
Research Collaborator
Research Collaborator
Orthopedic Oncology Program Focus
The Orthopedic Oncology’s research focuses on the development, quality of life, and treatment outcomes for patients experiencing cancer of the musculoskeletal system. The goal is to improve functional ability and patient satisfaction as a result of innovative surgical interventions. Results from our studies will be used to inform doctors, clinical staff, and patients about potential new treatments that improve post-cancer standard of living.
Recent Publications
- Krajewski, KT., Rogers, N., Lundin, MA., Rogers, A., Kanai, S., Moore, L., Thorpe, SW., Carollo, JJ., Carry, PM., Howell, DR., Sepp, LA., Silverman, AK., Donaldson, NJ. Examining Muscle Synergy Composition and Segmental Coordination During Overground Walking in Individuals with a Rotationplasty About the Knee. Sci Rep. 2025, 15:26891. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-11800-6.
This study investigated gait mechanics and muscle coordination in nine individuals with rotationplasty, a surgery that repurposes the ankle as a functional knee. Results showed that about half the participants demonstrated near-normal knee kinematics and synchronized muscle activity, suggesting effective spinal reorganization. In contrast, younger individuals with less time since surgery exhibited reduced knee function and discordant muscle activation patterns. - Nowicki KD, Rogers ND, Keeter CL, Donaldson NJ, Soep JB, Zhao Y. Factors Associated with Treatment Response in Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis at a Single Center: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Pediatr Rheum. January 3rd, 2025. doi: 10.1186/s12969-024-01051-6. PMID: 39754119.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the initial treatment for chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO), but their effectiveness varies among patients. This study aimed to identify clinical factors linked to response to NSAID monotherapy compared to the need for second-line therapies in a single-center CNO cohort.
Active Studies
Sarcoma Database
This database is a registry that examines the quality of life in patients who have been treated for sarcoma out our institution. We follow patients for up to 20 years, and send out annual Patient Reported Outcome Surveys (PROs) to understand their quality of life after surgical intervention.
Avascular Necrosis on the Pediatric Population
This prospective study examines the quality of life and treatment methods of patients who have been diagnosed with avascular necrosis.
Clinical Management of Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
This retrospective study examines the patterns in clinical management and treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with MHE at our institution.