Price Transparency
CBS11: North Texas Teen Overcomes Spinal Surgery to Run in BMW Dallas Marathon

CBS11: North Texas Teen Overcomes Spinal Surgery to Run in BMW Dallas Marathon

by | Nov 25, 2025 | Press Coverage, Scoliosis & Spine

Seventeen-year-old Riley is preparing for the BMW Dallas Marathon, an achievement she once thought impossible. Diagnosed with scoliosis in seventh grade, Riley endured worsening pain until spinal surgery at Scottish Rite for Children straightened her 60-degree curve. After months of recovery, she began running a mile a day, eventually completing a half marathon in February. Now, less than two years after surgery, she’s training for her first full marathon, determined to show herself just how far she has come.

Watch the full story on CBS11.

NBC 5: ACL Injuries Among Girls Are on the Rise

NBC 5: ACL Injuries Among Girls Are on the Rise

by | Nov 18, 2025 | Press Coverage, Sports Medicine

Movement science researchers at Scottish Rite for Children received a $1 million grant from Lyda Hill Philanthropies to fund, in part, a project that will tackle why teen girls tear their anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) far more often than others, and it turns out the menstrual cycle may play a big role. Early results show that hormone shifts throughout the cycle can make ligaments looser or muscles less flexible, which can seriously raise the risk of injury.

To help prevent this, athletes are engaging in training sessions that sync with their cycles, while researchers use high-tech motion capture tracking to spot risky movement patterns. The aim is to create smarter injury-prevention and rehab programs and eventually bring this approach to schools across the country.

Watch the full story on NBC 5.

Building Connections Through the Hand in Hand Support Group

Building Connections Through the Hand in Hand Support Group

by | Oct 13, 2025 | Hand Conditions

When the first Hand in Hand Support Group met in April 2024, about 60 people gathered to connect, share stories and support one another. A little over a year later, that number has more than doubled.

Families primarily come from the Dallas–Fort Worth area, but some travel from San Antonio and Lubbock and even from neighboring states like Oklahoma and Louisiana. This incredible growth reflects the power of community.

Founded and directed by Scottish Rite for Children occupational therapist Amy Sitabkhan, O.T.R., O.T.D., the group offers a welcoming space for children with congenital hand differences and their families to connect, including children from birth to 8 years old.

“Typically, when families come into clinic, they’re asking similar questions,” Amy says. “They want the best for their child, and they are curious about how life will look as their child grows older — if they’re going to make friends, if they will be able to play sports and whether they’ll face bullying. I created the support group alongside my fellow occupational therapists and nurses as a way for families to build a community and have an opportunity to ask those questions, seek resources and normalize having an upper limb difference.”

The Hand in Hand Support Group also helps bridge the gap for parents of younger children and babies, offering an opportunity to network and find encouragement even before their children are old enough for Hand camp.

Between guest speaker sessions, families enjoy coffee chats and small group discussions, connect with adults who have hand differences and share their lived experiences.

For occupational therapist Lucy Ericson, O.T.R., C.H.T., the support group provides a meaningful way to connect with families beyond the clinic walls.

“It’s a rewarding opportunity to learn from others, share resources and empower families,” Lucy says.

From its humble beginnings to its rapid growth, Hand in Hand is more than just a support group — it’s a community of hope, learning and shared strength.

Healio: Scottish Rite for Children Named Best Hospital for Pediatric Orthopedics for 2025 to 2026

Healio: Scottish Rite for Children Named Best Hospital for Pediatric Orthopedics for 2025 to 2026

by | Oct 10, 2025 | General News, Press Coverage

Healio recently featured Scottish Rite for Children in an article highlighting the hospital’s recognition in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings. Scottish Rite earned the distinction of being ranked the No. 1 hospital in the nation for pediatric orthopedics.

“This recognition represents the heart of who we are — a team devoted to helping kids grow stronger and live healthier lives,” Daniel J. Sucato, MD, MS, chief of staff at Scottish Rite for Children, told Healio. “Whether it is in our hallways, the exam room or the OR, every interaction reflects our commitment to making a lasting difference for children and their families.”

The rankings were based on surveys from thousands of pediatric specialists, which scored hospitals on success in treating complex pediatric conditions such as fractures, scoliosis, spina bifida, sports injuries, surgical complications and infection prevention.

“I want to extend a big thank-you to our amazing team of doctors, nurses, researchers and staff members who put kids first every day,” Sucato said. “Their passion for helping children thrive drives everything we do, and it is what we believe truly sets Scottish Rite apart.”

Read the full article here.

Scottish Rite for Children Ranked No. 1 for Pediatric Orthopedic Care by U.S. News & World Report

Scottish Rite for Children Ranked No. 1 for Pediatric Orthopedic Care by U.S. News & World Report

by | Oct 7, 2025 | General News, Press Coverage

U.S. News & World Report ranked Scottish Rite for Children No. 1 in the nation for pediatric orthopedic care in its 2025-2026 “Best Children’s Hospitals for Orthopedics” category. 

For 17 consecutive years, U.S. News has recognized Scottish Rite for Children as one of the best pediatric orthopedic hospitals in collaboration with Children’s Medical Center Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW).  

“This year’s return to the top spot is an incredible testament to the dedication of every member of our team,” said Scottish Rite for Children President and CEO Robert L. Walker. “At the heart of this achievement is our commitment to children and their families, ensuring they receive the highest level of care.” 

Rankings from U.S. News are determined in partnership with a research and consulting firm that analyzes data from 118 children’s hospitals across 15 specialties and surveys thousands of pediatric specialists. Outperforming its competitors, Scottish Rite earned a “Best” designation by excelling across four key areas, including clinical outcomes, quality, health care delivery and expert opinion among pediatric experts.  

“Achieving this ranking is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact our multidisciplinary experts have on children and their families,” said Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S. “Equally important, we remain dedicated to putting children first — making certain that every patient gets the highest level of care the world has to offer. No one does it better!” 

Scottish Rite is recognized nationally for its clinical expertise, research and teaching. The institution trains future pediatric orthopedic surgeons through the Dorothy & Bryant Edwards Fellowship in Orthopedics and Scoliosis — the world’s largest pediatric orthopedic fellowship. Scottish Rite physicians write and edit Tachdjian’s Pediatric Orthopaedics, the textbook used by pediatric orthopedic practitioners worldwide. Scottish Rite’s 20 pediatric orthopedic surgeons publish research and hold faculty appointments in the orthopaedic surgical division at UTSW. 

Building on its academic leadership, Scottish Rite researchers have achieved landmark breakthroughs — from discovering genes linked to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, clubfoot and lupus to developing medical devices that have resulted in more than 190 patents.  

“Because we are child-centered, we are committed to delivering world-class education and conducting leading-edge research to advance clinical outcomes for patients today and tomorrow,” Sucato added. 

U.S. News rankings are designed to guide parents and caregivers seeking the best possible treatment for children with complex conditions.