Innovative Orthopedic Care at UC Davis Children’s Hospital
In a groundbreaking development, UC Davis Children’s Hospital has been nationally ranked for its pediatric orthopaedic program, coming in at 20th in the country for the 2023-2024 year. This achievement was made possible through a collaboration with Shriners Children’s Northern California, a longstanding partner in treating orthopedic disorders and spinal injuries.
One of the most notable advancements at UC Davis Children’s Hospital is the introduction of life-changing therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). A 5-year-old patient at the hospital became the first in California and the fourth in the nation to receive groundbreaking gene therapy for DMD outside of clinical trials. This treatment, years in the making, offers hope to the thousands of individuals in the U.S. living with this severe form of muscular dystrophy.
Dr. Craig McDonald, an award-winning researcher in neuromuscular disorders, described this milestone as a career highlight. The therapy not only brings hope to current DMD patients but also paves the way for future advancements in treating the disease.
Furthermore, UC Davis Children’s Hospital is at the forefront of developing in-utero therapy for DMD. Dr. Aijun Wang and his team are working on a gene editing formula that targets key muscles affected by DMD, with the goal of correcting mutations before the disease manifests. This groundbreaking work is supported by a $2 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
In addition to these advancements, researchers at the hospital have launched an international study in collaboration with leading neuromuscular research groups. This study aims to gather data on the natural history of DMD from patients worldwide, providing valuable insights for future research and treatment options.
Overall, UC Davis Children’s Hospital continues to push the boundaries of pediatric orthopaedic care and research, offering hope and life-changing treatments to patients like Darren Colbert, whose father expressed gratitude for the exceptional level of care provided by Dr. Randall and his staff. The hospital’s commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare is truly making a difference in the lives of children and families facing challenging medical conditions.