Research Focus Area(s)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Limb lengthening and Limb deformity
- Pediatric Bone Health
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Susan A. Novotny, PhD, joined Gillette's research department in 2013. She is a clinical scientist in the Orthopedic Research program, which she co-leads with Jennifer Laine, MD - the first specialist at Gillette to see Dr. Novotny's son for a rare genetic condition. Dr. Novotny's research focuses on the impact of disease on bone growth. Her research focuses on Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD), which is a painful condition caused by a disruption of the blood supply to the growing hip and is associated with early onset osteoarthritis and lifelong disability. Dr. Novotny's expertise in LCPD is exemplified by various grants and publications with Dr. Laine, as well as her publications and her two leadership roles within the International Perthes Study Group.
Dr. Novotny also holds an academic affiliation at the University of Minnesota, where she has various research collaborations, teaches graduate students, and mentors doctoral students.
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My introduction to Gillette was the same as every other parent who walks through Gillette’s door. I can relate to the emotional journey parents experience as they desperately seek answers about their child’s health. My research seeks to answer many of the unknown questions surrounding the impact of musculoskeletal disease on children. I am driven to provide scientific evidence that helps both families and specialists make the best care decisions for each child. This work is constantly driven by Gillette families, like my own, who rely on scientific evidence to guide their decision making.
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- Graduate Degree:
- University of Minnesota, PhD in Kinesiology | University of Minnesota, MA in Kinesiology
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- Member, Pediatric Society of North America
- International Perthes Study Group (member, Database Manager, Scientific Review Leader)
- University of Minnesota's CTSI Mothers Leading Science Program (member)
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Novotny, S. A., Hailer, Y. D., Laine, J. C., Wetzel, M., Gillespie, S. E., Gilbert, S. R., . . . International Perthes Study, G. (2023). Do Weightbearing Restrictions Cause Excess Weight Gain in Children With LEGG-Calve-Perthes Disease? J Pediatr Orthop, 43(1), 31-36. doi:10.1097/BPO.0000000000002264
Laine, J. C., Novotny, S. A., Weber, E. W., Georgiadis, A. G., & Dahl, M. T. (2020). Distal Tibial Guided Growth for Anterolateral Bowing of the Tibia: Fracture May Be Prevented. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 102(23), 2077-2086. doi:10.2106/JBJS.20.00657
Novotny, S. A., Warren, G. L., & Hamrick, M. W. (2015). Aging and the muscle-bone relationship. Physiology (Bethesda), 30(1), 8-16. doi:10.1152/physiol.00033.2014
Find a list of Dr. Novotny's publications here.
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Research Areas of Interest:
- Pediatric Bone Health
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Neuromuscular conditions
Dr. Novotny is interested in understanding the role of physical activity in building strong bones to prevent bone fractures. Specifically, she is interested in the impact of musculoskeletal disease on bone growth in children.
