New ACL Reconstruction Approach Offers Another Option for Young Athletes

New ACL Reconstruction Approach Offers Another Option for Young Athletes

by | Sep 11, 2026 | Sports Medicine

For a young athlete with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, choosing the right approach to reconstruction is an important part of the path back to sports and activities.  

Javier Masquijo, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Scottish Rite for Children, is introducing a rectus femoris ACL reconstruction technique to adolescent patients in the United States. The technique, which has been used in the adult population in Europe and South America, offers another graft option designed with the needs of young athletes in mind.    

During ACL reconstruction, surgeons typically use tissue from hamstrings, patellar tendon, quadriceps, or iliotibial band to create a new ligament. Different graft options can affect recovery in different ways.  

The rectus femoris technique uses the most superficial portion of the quadriceps while preserving other important structures around the knee. Potential benefits include less impact to the area where the graft is taken compared with traditional full-thickness quadriceps tendon grafts. The approach also preserves the hamstring muscles, which play an important role in knee stability, and may reduce the anterior knee pain that can occur when tissue is taken from the patellar tendon.   

For young athletes working toward returning to the sports they love, preserving strength and function throughout the knee can be an important consideration during recovery.  

Scottish Rite’s sports medicine team is actively studying the technique, evaluating functional recovery, patient-reported outcomes, and complication rates.  

Through this research, the team continues to evaluate approaches to ACL reconstruction with the unique needs of growing and active patients in mind. 

 

An Experience Worth Traveling For: Dr. Kirby’s Time at Scottish Rite for Children

An Experience Worth Traveling For: Dr. Kirby’s Time at Scottish Rite for Children

by | Sep 3, 2026 | Sports Medicine

For physicians pursuing pediatric sports medicine, the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at Scottish Rite for Children offers concentrated clinical experience, research opportunities and mentorship designed to prepare the next generation of specialists.

FRISCO, TX. (Sept. 1, 2026) –Dr. Julia Kirby, MBBS, MSpMed, FRACS, FAOrthA, traveled from Melbourne, Australia, to complete a one-year fellowship with the sports medicine team at Scottish Rite for Children in 2021. She arrived seeking advanced experience in pediatric and adolescent sports medicine and returned home with knowledge, research experience and professional relationships that continue to shape her career.   

The fellowship has since been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (July 1, 2022) and AOSSM-recognized, an important mark of its educational structure and standards.

Today, Kirby is an orthopedic sports surgeon with a thriving private practice in Melbourne, specializing in sports injuries, joint preservation and complex knee surgery. She also holds public appointments at Austin Health and The Royal Children’s Hospital and has expertise in pediatric and adolescent knee conditions.

“The most beneficial element of my experience was having the opportunity to work with and learn from Dr. Wilson and Dr. Ellis and their exceptional teams,” Kirby said. “Seeing a high volume of rare conditions managed by this team was invaluable, and I was fortunate to bring these skills back to my Australian practice.”

Henry B. Ellis, M.D., serves as program director of the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at Scottish Rite, and Philip L. Wilson, M.D., serves as associate program director.

Scottish Rite Orthopedic Sports Medicine fellows participate in the evaluation, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation of children and adolescents with sports related conditions. The region’s extensive youth sports programs provide exposure to athletes competing at many levels and stages of physical development.

For fellows, this setting creates experience with a broad range of pediatric and adolescent sports injuries and competitive demands. It also reinforces a central responsibility of pediatric sports medicine: helping young athletes return to the activities they value while protecting continued growth, long term joint health and lifelong mobility.

“The volume and variety of cases deepened my understanding of the important differences between treating sports injuries in growing children and treating similar conditions in adults,” Kirby said. “For physicians committed to pediatric sports medicine, I strongly recommend Scottish Rite because it provides the clinical experience, mentorship and research opportunities needed to build expertise and confidence in caring for young athletes.”

Growth plates remain open, bones and joints continue to develop, and an intervention during childhood may affect alignment, mobility and joint health for years. Fellows receive high volume clinical exposure, individualized mentorship and meaningful responsibility. Adult sports medicine rotations through UT Southwestern provide broader operative experience while the fellowship offers a uniquely high volume of complex and common cases in active youth athletes.

Research With International Reach

Kirby gained experience connecting questions from patient care with research. During her experience, she contributed to studies involving patellofemoral instability, in which the kneecap moves outside its normal position.

One study coauthored by Kirby examined 279 children and adolescents. Researchers found valgus, or knock kneed, alignment in approximately 60% of affected knees, including more pronounced alignment in nearly one in four. The findings help physicians assess whether alignment contributes to recurring instability and plan treatment that accounts for growth.

Kirby also contributed to research involving medial patellofemoral ligament or MPFL, reconstruction in children with open growth plates. The study found that a growth conscious technique could restore stability without affecting normal leg length or alignment, addressing how to treat instability while protecting development.

Since returning to Australia, Kirby has continued research involving ACL reconstruction and postoperative outcomes. As a member of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society, or PRiSM, she participates in international research focused on tibial spine fractures and meniscal conditions.

“My experience at Scottish Rite gave me the clinical experience and research foundation to turn questions from the exam room into evidence that can improve care for children well beyond a single patient,” Kirby said.

Professional Relationships That Endure

Kirby remains in contact with faculty to discuss surgical techniques and complex cases, and she reconnects with physicians and researchers through PRiSM and professional meetings. At the 2026 PRiSM Annual Meeting in Austin, she presented an Australian perspective during an international panel on pediatric sports medicine.

“Julia brought intellectual curiosity, strong clinical judgment and a clear commitment to improving care for young athletes throughout her time at Scottish Rite,” Ellis said. “Her success as a surgeon, researcher and international presenter reflects her expertise and commitment to the field.”

Shaping the Future of Sports Medicine

For prospective fellows, Kirby’s path from Melbourne to Frisco, Texas, and back demonstrates the program’s reach: specialized pediatric training, research experience and mentorship that can support a career anywhere in the world.

Learn more about fellowship training at Scottish Rite for Children and click here to apply. To explore Dr. Kirby’s research, see the links below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Earlier Always Better? Rethinking Specialization in Youth Sports

Is Earlier Always Better? Rethinking Specialization in Youth Sports

by | Aug 28, 2026 | Sports Medicine

For many parents of young athletes, the pressure to get ahead can start early. But when it comes to developing young athletes, earlier does not always mean better.

Sophia Ulman, Ph.D., division director of the Movement Science Laboratory at Scottish Rite for Children, recently joined Dr. Debbie Rhea, EdD., M.Ed., on the “Right Moves” podcast to discuss sports readiness, specialization and the increasingly competitive environment surrounding youth sports.

“I think it’s just human nature to want to get a head start,” Ulman said.

Starting select baseball two years earlier, for example, may feel like an advantage. But Ulman encourages families to think beyond how quickly a child develops a particular skill and consider a bigger question: When do we want that athlete to peak?

 

The Case for Playing More Than One Sport

Specializing early can mean repeating the same movements while missing opportunities to develop a broader range of physical skills. Playing multiple sports allows young athletes to move their bodies in different ways while also providing a break from the repetitive demands of their primary sport.

Sophia Ulman, Ph.D., is the division director of the Movement Science Laboratory at Scottish Rite for Children.

“If you look at some of the professional athletes that have gotten really far and had great careers, they oftentimes played more than one sport all the way through high school,” Ulman said.

Those experiences can help athletes develop a more robust set of motor skills while giving their bones, joints and muscles time to recover.

 

Navigating the Pressure to Specialize

Parents aren’t the only ones driving specialization. The structure of youth sports itself can make playing multiple sports challenging. An athlete may move from a club season to a school season and back to club competition, leaving little opportunity to try something else without doing too much.

Ulman says many parents understand the risks of overuse but may be less familiar with the potential drawbacks of specialization, including developing a less comprehensive set of motor skills.

At the same time, youth sports have become increasingly competitive, with parents, coaches and trainers all potentially invested in a young athlete’s development and performance.

“The environment some of these athletes are in is complicated,” Ulman said.

 

One Simple Question: Are You Having Fun?

For parents wondering how to strike the right balance, Ulman recommends starting with the athlete.

“Do you love this sport? Do you have fun at practice?” she said. “Ask them what they want to be involved in.”

Parents can also be mindful of the messages they may send without realizing it. Children notice when a tournament win generates excitement or when a particular sport becomes a frequent topic of family conversation.

“A child is very perceptive,” Ulman said. “They understand, OK, Mom or Dad was very happy when we went to this tournament, and we won.”

That excitement can unintentionally signal to a child that succeeding in a particular sport is what makes their parents happy.

For families navigating an increasingly competitive youth sports landscape, the goal doesn’t have to be getting ahead as quickly as possible. Giving children opportunities to develop different skills, listening to what they enjoy and keeping fun part of the conversation can help build a healthier relationship with sports for the long term.

To listen to the full podcast, click here.

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, 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.

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!

      The 70/30 Approach to Keep Young Athletes in the Game

      The 70/30 Approach to Keep Young Athletes in the Game

      by | Jul 30, 2026 | Sports Medicine

      The right mix of practice and performance training can help keep young athletes in the game, according to Henry B. Ellis, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco, Texas. 

      During a recent Texas Orthopaedic Association discussion on sports medicine, orthopedic experts from across Texas came together to provide educational resources and practical guidance for athletes, parents and coaches. Ellis shared two key strategies for helping young athletes reduce their risk of injury and return to play safely. 

      The first strategy, Ellis said, is following a 70/30 approach to training. 

      “About 70% of training should be focused on your sport, while the other 30% should be dedicated to performance and strength training,” Ellis said. “Preparing your body to play is an important part of staying healthy and performing your best.” 

      His second piece of advice focused on returning to play after an injury.  

      “Returning to play is not black and white,” Ellis said. “It’s not simply receiving a note that says you’re cleared. It’s a gray area that requires a progressive return to sport to reduce the risk of another injury.” 

      Rather than viewing medical clearance as the finish line, Ellis emphasized the importance of gradually increasing activity while monitoring how an athlete responds before returning to their previous level of play.  

      Scottish Rite’s multidisciplinary sports medicine team supports young athletes through every stage of recovery, combining orthopedic care, rehabilitation, performance training and return-to-play guidance to help patients safely return to the sports they love.  

      Athletes who want personalized guidance on applying these principles can schedule a movement assessment at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in Frisco. The evaluation assesses movement, strength and biomechanics and provides individualized recommendations to help athletes learn where to focus their training to improve performance and reduce their risk of injury and stay in the game. To schedule an appointment, call 469-515-7160.