Pediatric Orthopedic Oncology Program

About the Orthopedic Oncology Program

As a part of Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Orthopedics Institute and the University of Colorado School of Medicine Sarcoma Program, the Orthopedic Oncology Program combines the expertise of two organizations to bring kids the best care possible. We specialize in diagnosing and surgically treating cancerous and non-cancerous soft tissue and bone tumors in children, teens and young adults.

With decades of experience, our orthopedic oncology surgeons and other experts understand how important a quick diagnosis and high-quality treatment plan is. Through precision medicine and a family-forward approach, we’ve tailored our services to meet those needs by offering the following:

• Easy scheduling for oncology treatment
• A nurse line for tumor questions and concerns; call 720-777-3356 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Access to child life specialists and clinical social workers
• Physical therapy sessions specifically designed to help kids after tumor care
• Resources for wellness assistance including family support programs
• Long-term follow-up care and survivorship clinic

Why choose us for pediatric orthopedic oncology care

We are the only program in the Rocky Mountain region and ranked #8 in the nation by U.S. News & World report, with a team of oncology specialists who focus on treating soft tissue and bone tumors in children, adolescents and young adults. Everything we do — from our care to our equipment to our spaces — is designed for kids. ­ We’re known for partnering with children and their families to achieve the best possible outcomes.

We believe in delivering care with a team mentality. For cancerous tumors, our orthopedic oncology surgeons work closely with pediatric oncologists (cancer specialists) at our Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, as well as experts at the University of Colorado Hospital and University of Colorado Cancer Center as part of the CU Sarcoma Program. This collaborative effort allows us to deliver exceptional care and a seamless treatment experience — all in one place.

This begins with a collaborative approach to get the most accurate diagnosis. Experts in pediatric imaging (radiologists) work with diagnostic specialists (pathologists) who all have experience caring for sarcoma and musculoskeletal tumors. Care continues with a dedicated team that includes orthopedic surgical oncologists, a physician assistant and a nurse coordinator. Children with musculoskeletal tumors who undergo resection and reconstructive surgery also have access to physical therapists who specialize in rehabilitation exercises. These collaborations across our hospital and with our partners not only allow for the best care but foster further research to help bring new discoveries and treatments to children.

Who we treat at the Orthopedic Oncology Program

We diagnose and surgically treat many soft tissue and bone tumors in our program. Additionally, our specialists manage other long-term conditions that children with cancer may have, including avascular necrosis.

We treat both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) tumors.

Orthopedic oncology services and procedures we offer

Our program offers many types of reconstructions and other surgeries, including:

• Limb salvage surgery with artificial devices or implants
• Bone reconstruction using transplanted tissue, known as allografts
• Rotationplasty
• Pelvic resections and reconstructions
• Bone transport or bone lengthening for a resection of bone tumors
• Chest wall resections and reconstructions

We partner across our hospital with our Limb Differences Program and  with the University of Colorado Limb Restoration Program when appropriate for reconstruction surgery.

Pediatric orthopedic oncology research

Children’s Colorado is a member of the Children’s Oncology Group, a national research program for childhood cancers. This helps us bring the latest in care innovations to our patients faster. We’re active participants in local and national research projects and are involved in studies to improve function and quality of life for children with bone and soft tissue cancers.

Our in-house registry follows patients from the start of treatment and past their cancer care to track how every child with each type of sarcoma, resection and reconstruction thrives long-term. This allows our experts to not only ensure each child is cared for but to identify new technologies, therapies and treatments to consistently improve the quality and accuracy of care.

Our surgeons belong to the leading sarcoma and musculoskeletal tumor organizations both nationally and internationally, including:

• The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society
• The Connective Tissue Oncology Society
• The International Society of Limb Salvage

Contact the Pediatric Orthopedic Oncology Program

For appointments at Anschutz Medical Campus or South Campus, call 720-777-6682.

For appointments at Outpatient Care at Briargate, Colorado Springs, call 719-305-9060.

For the nurse line available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., call 720-777-3356.