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April 17, 2025
As specialists who care for children with cerebral palsy, one of our biggest priorities is ensuring that surgeries are not only successful, but also as comfortable and safe as possible for our patients. Hip reconstruction surgery is a common procedure for children with cerebral palsy, particularly those with more severe mobility challenges. Because children with cerebral palsy often experience muscle tightness, joint deformities, and changes in bone development, the hips can become misaligned, causing pain and limiting movement. Surgical reconstruction can improve alignment and function, but managing pain after surgery can be complex, and that’s where our latest research comes in.
Currently, a randomized controlled trial is underway at several leading children’s hospitals, such as Luskin Orthoapaedic Institute for Children and Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, to find the best way to manage pain after hip surgery for children with cerebral palsy. The study is comparing two approaches: a multimodal surgical site injection versus epidural anesthesia, which is more traditionally used.
The multimodal injection involves delivering a combination of pain-relieving medications directly into the surgical site during the procedure. This approach aims to target pain right at its source and reduce the need for opioids and other systemic medications afterward. In contrast, epidural anesthesia involves placing a catheter near the spinal cord to deliver pain medication continuously, a method that is effective, but requires more equipment, monitoring, and often longer recovery times in the hospital.
Research so far, including data from an earlier pilot study, suggests that the multimodal injection not only reduces pain more effectively in the first critical days after surgery, but also decreases the need for narcotic medications. This is a meaningful breakthrough because children with cerebral palsy, especially those with limited communication abilities, can struggle to express their pain. By improving how we manage pain upfront, we can also improve their overall recovery experience.
In fact, the first wave of results from this trial was recently published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics in November 2024. The findings showed that the multimodal injection led to better pain control, faster comfort, and reduced reliance on opioids compared to epidural anesthesia. Equally important, the study found no increased risks or complications associated with the injection approach.
This research reflects a larger shift in how we approach surgical care for children with cerebral palsy, moving toward more targeted, patient-centered pain management strategies that improve both safety and quality of life. By studying these approaches in a rigorous, multi-center trial, we can ensure that families everywhere, not just in the largest hospitals, benefit from the latest evidence-based care.
At LuskinOIC, and our partner institutions like UCLA Health, we remain committed to improving not only surgical outcomes but also the entire experience of care for children with cerebral palsy and their families. We are excited to see how this trial shapes future guidelines and helps us continue to raise the bar for compassionate, evidence-driven care.
Knowing When to Seek Care for Your Child: A Guide from LuskinOIC
As a parent, your top priority is keeping your child safe and healthy. But when your child is sick or injured, it can be hard to know what level of care they need. Should you call your pediatrician, visit urgent care, or head straight to the emergency department?
For non-emergencies, your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric urgent care center is often the best place to start. If your child’s doctor isn’t available—such as during evenings or weekends—urgent care can provide fast, effective treatment. Contact your pediatrician or visit urgent care if your child has:
You may also have access to virtual urgent care for non-emergency issues, allowing your child to be seen by a provider from home. Check if pediatric virtual urgent care services are available in your area.
If your child is seriously injured or ill—especially if the condition may be life-threatening or needs immediate attention—take them to the emergency department (ED). Seek emergency care if your child:
Your child’s health matters. When in doubt, trust your instincts—and don’t hesitate to seek care. LuskinOIC is here to support your family with trusted pediatric expertise every step of the way.