Research into disparities in pediatric orthopedic care is increasing, but much of it remains focused on describing the problem rather than finding solutions, according to a recent review published in JBJS Open Access. The analysis, coauthored by Dr. Neeraj Patel, an orthopedic surgeon at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, highlights that most studies on differences in access and outcomes by race and ethnicity are retrospective and do not involve community engagement or intervention-based methods.
“Understanding where disparities exist is important,” Dr. Patel said. “But improving care requires stronger research methodologies that partner with communities and test strategies designed to address barriers in real-world settings.”
The review found that few studies use prospective designs, qualitative approaches, or partnerships with affected communities. This trend is also seen in pediatric orthopedics, pointing to a need for research that moves beyond documenting inequities to informing change.
Dr. Patel is leading a project at Lurie Children’s called RED KARD (Reducing Disparities in Knee Arthroscopy for Adolescents), which aims to improve access to care for young people with sports-related knee injuries in Chicago’s mainly Hispanic neighborhoods. This five-year study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and supported by grants from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF). Unlike traditional studies, RED KARD involves direct community engagement to better understand barriers to timely orthopedic care and uses findings to design interventions intended to reduce delays in specialty evaluation and surgery.
In addition to his research work, Dr. Patel directs Health Disparity and Community Outreach Programs for orthopaedics at Lurie Children’s. His team has established partnerships with organizations on Chicago’s west side and created sports medicine programs for children and parents. There are plans to expand these outreach efforts further in 2026.
