Scholars@Duke
Robert Douglas Fitch

Robert Douglas Fitch

Associate Professor Emeritus of Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
fitch002@mc.duke.edu
Box 2911 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
Lenox Baker CHLDRN Hosp, Durham, NC 27710
Office hours 7:30am-4pm  

Overview

My research interest center around limb lengthening and external fixation. Much is known about the biology of distraction osteogenesis. However, little is known about the effects on the soft tissues with limb lengthening techniques. In a dog model, we are investigating the effects of limb lengthening on muscle function, analizing amount of muscle lengthened per segment of bone lengthening, contractility, and strength. We also hope to begin studies assessing the effects of non steroidal anti-inflammatories on the quality of bone regenerate formed with distraction osteogenesis.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Associate Professor Emeritus of Orthopaedic Surgery · 2024 - Present Orthopaedic Surgery, Clinical Science Departments
Associate Professor in Pediatrics · 2007 - Present Pediatrics, Clinical Science Departments

Recent Publications

Implant Distribution Versus Implant Density in Lenke Type 1 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Does the Position of the Screw Matter?

Journal Article Global Spine J · September 2021 STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have demonstrated that increased implant density (ID) results in improved coronal deformity correction. However, low-density constructs with strategically placed fixation points may achieve sim ... Full text Link to item Cite

Staying ahead of the curve: the use of spinopelvic parameters to predict curve progression and bracing success in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Journal Article Spine Deform · December 2020 STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate radiographic sagittal and spinopelvic parameters of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated with bracing and assess differences among those treated successfully and un ... Full text Link to item Cite

Periapical Wires Result in Less Curve Correction Than Pedicle Screw Constructs in Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Journal Article Asian Spine J · December 2019 STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare percent correction between apical and periapical pedicle screw (PS) and sublaminar wire constructs for Cobb correction and coronal balance correction. OVERVIEW OF LITERA ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants

AO Trauma Basic Principle Conferences

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Medical Device Business Services, Inc. · 2021 - 2021

Nitroprusside in Children (NITPIC)

Clinical TrialCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2004 - 2010

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Education, Training & Certifications

Duke University · 1976 M.D.