LuskinOIC Research Showcased at PRiSM Conference

Esther Chung, research coordinator at LuskinOIC, recently represented the institute at the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) conference, where she presented cutting-edge research on ACL reconstruction outcomes in young patients.

The conference proved to be an eye-opening and valuable opportunity for Chung to learn from leading experts in pediatric sports medicine and to showcase the innovative work being conducted at LuskinOIC. She had the honor of presenting both a poster and an oral presentation on research conducted with pediatric patients who underwent ACL reconstructions.

In her presentation, Chung shared important findings about surgical techniques and patient outcomes. The research revealed that adding an extra ligament in addition to reconstructing the ACL was associated with knee stiffness in pediatric patients, a critical insight that may help inform future surgical approaches. 

By identifying a potential trade-off between added stability and post-operative mobility, the study encourages surgeons to more carefully weigh procedural decisions and tailor interventions to the unique circumstances and needs of younger patients. Her poster presentation demonstrated that adductor and geniculate nerve blocks appeared to reduce both narcotic use and pain scores in pediatric patients following reconstruction surgeries, offering a promising pathway for improved post-operative pain management. Identifying reduced pain levels and decreased narcotic use with the addition of a geniculate nerve block strengthens our ability to implement safer, more effective, and patient-centered pain management strategies.

Collectively, both research topics have meaningful practical implications for pediatric orthopedics, a rapidly growing specialty facing a scarcity of research that can guide evidence-based practices. These studies provide evidence that can refine surgical decision-making, enhance rehabilitation outcomes, and reduce reliance on narcotics in our pediatric patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. By translating clinical observations into actionable insights, the work contributes to a growing evidence base that promotes safer, more individualized treatment protocols.

In addition, the studies lay the groundwork for future prospective trials and larger-scale investigations. By highlighting both potential risks and therapeutic opportunities, it advances the conversation around best practices in pediatric orthopedic surgery and represents a significant step forward in optimizing both surgical technique and post-operative care for young patients

The research underscores LuskinOIC’s commitment to advancing pediatric sports medicine through rigorous investigation and evidence-based care, ultimately improving outcomes for young athletes across the country.