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Reducing ACL Reinjury Risk: Dr. Henry Ellis Discusses Advances in ACL Surgery

Reducing ACL Reinjury Risk: Dr. Henry Ellis Discusses Advances in ACL Surgery

by | Aug 14, 2026 | General News, Press Coverage, Research & Innovation, Sports Medicine

Henry B. Ellis, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon and medical director of clinical research at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, recently joined the Sports Docs Podcast to discuss evolving approaches to ACL reconstruction and how they may help reduce the risk of reinjury in young athletes.

Recorded at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, the episode featured Dr. Ellis alongside sports medicine physician Bonnie P. Gregory, M.D., of UTHealth Houston. The conversation focused on lateral extra-articular procedures, which can be performed in addition to traditional ACL reconstruction to provide additional stability to the knee and reduce the risk of another ACL injury.

Dr. Ellis explained that young, active athletes, particularly those returning to sports that require frequent cutting and pivoting, may be among those who benefit from the additional procedure. Surgeons also consider factors such as an athlete’s anatomy, activity level and history of ACL injury when determining the best treatment approach.

“As soon as you talk to the families and the parents and the athlete themselves and you say this could decrease your recurrent injury rate by half, it’s a no-brainer,” Dr. Ellis said.

The conversation also explored what the procedure may mean for rehabilitation and return to sports. Dr. Ellis shared findings from Scottish Rite’s research registry of about 6,000 ACL cases, which showed no difference in knee stiffness between patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with or without the additional procedure.

CBS News Texas: Art Auction Raising Funds for Scottish Rite for Children

CBS News Texas: Art Auction Raising Funds for Scottish Rite for Children

by | Aug 13, 2026 | Events, General News, Press Coverage

Stephanie Brigger, vice president of development at Scottish Rite for Children, joins Dallas-based visual artologist Brittney Wells on CBS News Texas to showcase Scottish Rite for Children’s Summer Colors Art Auction.

Established in 2009, the Summer Colors Art Auction partners with local artists like Brittney to raise awareness of the hospital and introduce the Dallas community to up-and-coming artists. All proceeds from this year’s auction benefit Scottish Rite facility dog Super, who provides emotional support and encouragement to patients.

A Step Ahead in Scoliosis Care: New Research Supports Earlier Bracing for Children With AIS

A Step Ahead in Scoliosis Care: New Research Supports Earlier Bracing for Children With AIS

by | Aug 13, 2026 | Scoliosis & Spine

A study led by spinal experts from Scottish Rite for Children found that starting brace treatment earlier than current guidelines recommend may help children and teens with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) reduce curve progression and lower their risk of needing surgery. 

With no known cause, AIS is the most common type of scoliosis in children and teens. It typically develops between the ages of 10 and 18, affects as many as 4% of adolescents and is more common in girls. AIS is a progressive condition in which the spinal curve may worsen during periods of rapid growth. 

For years, brace treatment has typically been recommended once a spinal curve reaches 25 degrees. However, this research suggests that some children and teens with smaller curves who are still growing may benefit from beginning treatment sooner. 

Published in JBJS Open Access, the study was led by senior scientist Karina A. Zapata, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D., and featured spinal experts, such as Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S., Director of Orthotics Don Virostek, C.P.O., L.P.O., and pediatric orthopedic surgeon Megan E. Johnson, M.D. The research followed 414 children with AIS. They compared 207 children who began wearing a brace when their spinal curve measured between 15 and 24 degrees with 207 other children who followed the traditional approach of waiting until the curve reached 25 degrees before beginning treatment. 

They found that children who began bracing earlier were more likely to see their curves improve or remain stable and were significantly less likely to experience progression to curves severe enough to require surgery. 

By intervening earlier, physicians may be able to help guide spinal growth before curves become more difficult to manage. While not every child with scoliosis will need a brace, these findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment plans based on a child’s age, remaining growth and curve pattern. 

At Scottish Rite for Children, spine specialists combine research, experience and individualized care to develop the best treatment plan for every patient. Whether treatment involves observation, custom bracing or surgery, the goal is to help children stay active and continue doing the things they love.  

As research continues to shape the future of scoliosis care, these findings offer another step toward more personalized treatment for children with AIS. 

 

Back-to-School Tips: Fueling Young Athletes for the School Day

Back-to-School Tips: Fueling Young Athletes for the School Day

by | Aug 7, 2026 | Sports Medicine

The first few weeks back to school tend to catch families off guard. Busy schedules mean balancing early mornings, classes, homework and sports practices. For young athletes, proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep play a major role when it comes to performing well in the classroom and in sports.

Jane S. Chung, M.D., a sports medicine physician at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco, Texas, shares the following tips to help young athletes stay healthy throughout the school year.  

 

Fuel throughout the day 

Young athletes need consistent energy to support their growing bodies and active lifestyles. Skipping meals or going too long without eating can lead to energy crashes, poor concentration and decreased athletic performance. 

Instead of relying on one or two large meals, encourage your athlete to eat three to four balanced meals each day with two to three healthy snacks between meals.

Healthy grab-and-go snack ideas 

When you’re short on time, keep nutritious snacks on hand, such as: 

  • Fruit smoothies 
  • Apples with nut butter 
  • Greek yogurt with sliced strawberries 
  • Homemade trail mix with almonds, cereal and dark chocolate chips 
  • Carrots and hummus 

For athletes, it is important to fuel before, during and after workouts.

Build a balanced plate 

Every meal is an opportunity to provide your athlete with the nutrients they need to grow.  

Aim to include a variety of:

    • Colorful fruits and vegetables: red, orange, and dark green vegetables and legumes 
    • Whole grains: brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-wheat bread and pasta 
    • Lean protein: eggs, chicken, fish, lean meats, tofu and beans 
    • Dairy: milk, yogurt and cheese 
    • Healthy fats: avocado, nuts and seeds 

    Stay hydrated 

    Hydration plays a major role in keeping young athletes healthy, focused and performing at their best. 

    For most children, water is the best choice throughout the day.

    However, young athletes participating in training lasting longer than one hour or exercising in the heat for 45 to 60 minutes should consume sports drinks or electrolyte replacements along with water to help avoid dehydration.  

    Prioritize quality sleep 

    Nutrition fuels the body, but sleep is when the body recovers.  

    Your teen should aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep, while younger school-age children require more sleep.   

    Adequate, high-quality sleep supports:

    • Growth and development 
    • Mood and emotional well-being 
    • Academic performance 
    • Athletic performance 
    • Behavior and cognitive function 

    Tips for better sleep 

    Help your child build healthy sleep habits by:

      • Creating a dark, quiet and cool sleeping environment 
      • Removing electronic devices from the bedroom 
      • Limiting screen time before bed to reduce blue light exposure, which inhibits the body’s natural production of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep 
      • Establishing a bedtime routine by listening to calming music, reading a book and avoiding highly stimulating activities 
      • Keeping a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule 
      • Avoiding exercise before bed

      The back-to-school season is the perfect time to reinforce healthy routines that help young athletes thrive. “I encourage young athletes and families to focus on fueling, hydration, rest and recovery for a successful school year both in the classroom and on the field!”, says Chung. By eating frequent, balanced meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep, young athletes can build the foundation they need to succeed in sports, school and beyond!