Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital

01/14/2026

When Ashley and her parents sought a second opinion at Boston Children’s, they got advice they didn’t expect. “Dr. Kocher told us, ‘Ashley needs a new meniscus. We need to unlock her knee so she can walk again.’” Learn what it’s like to be the youngest person to ever receive a meniscal transplant.
https://answers.childrenshospital.org/ashley-meniscal-transplant-child/

12/17/2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lyle J. Micheli, MD, director emeritus of Boston Children’s Sports Medicine Division. Dr. Micheli was a beloved colleague and a transformative figure in pediatric medicine whose visionary work fundamentally changed how we care for young athletes.
Born into a family of immigrant coal miners in Illinois, Dr. Micheli earned a National Merit Scholarship to Harvard. In 1974, having served with distinction during Vietnam, he co-founded the nation's first sports medicine clinic dedicated exclusively to young athletes at Boston Children's, which ultimately became the Sports Medicine Division.
Through his leadership, Dr. Micheli effectively created the field of pediatric sports medicine. He saw what others had not yet recognized: that children and adolescents are not simply small adults and require specialized care for sports injuries.
A pioneer in dance medicine, he was the Boston Ballet Company’s physician for nearly 50 years. As finish line director for the Boston Marathon, he played an essential role in the trauma response following the 2013 marathon bombing. Dr. Micheli was also an athlete: he played rugby for decades and was inducted into the Rugby Hall of Fame.
Dr. Micheli’s legacy will endure in every young athlete who receives specialized, compassionate care, in every physician trained in pediatric sports medicine, and in The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, which continues his life's work. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable career. The family indicates that a public service will follow in 2026. In lieu of flowers, they invite donations to The Micheli Center.

11/21/2025

Boston Children's Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine showed up in full force to provide medical services at the Girls on the Run 5K at Boston Common! Earlier this month, our medical team volunteered to support the more than 3,500 school-aged girls who took part in Girls on the Run's biggest 5K event yet! The 5K marked the culmination of nearly three months of training and a proud milestone for participants and their families.

Boston Children's medical volunteer team included:
Dr. Kristin Whitney (event medical director), Dr. Martha Murray, Dr. Andrea Stracciolini, Dr. JR Cruz, Dr. Catherine Gardiner, Dr. Solomon Ajasin, Adrienne Morales, Jennifer Welcher, Angie Sala, Marie Murray, Sarah Drinkwater, Miriam Hernandez, Heather Southwick, Greycher Lopes, Alicia Rivera, Kristen Heim, and Alex Finn.

11/21/2025

Seen at Boston Children’s: 3D images of any area of the body generated from CT scan within minutes rather than days or weeks. Check this out! https://on.bchil.org/3KfqhKU

08/20/2025

Adam is happiest in motion. But when a bump on his shin turned out to be a very large bone tumor, this active tween from Maine had to slow down for a summer. Read about Adam’s non-ossifying fibroma, surgery, and return to wave surfing: https://on.bchil.org/45NdHcJ

07/25/2025

A recent study led by Matthew D. Milewski, MD of Boston Children’s Hospital found that psychological readiness and stress levels continue to improve even two years after ACL reconstruction.

While many patients focus on getting physically back to sport, this research reminds us that mental recovery is just as important and often takes longer. The findings highlight that confidence, motivation, and reduced fear of reinjury can keep progressing well after the one-year mark.

Takeaway: If you or someone you know is recovering from ACL surgery, remember: healing isn’t just physical. Support the mental side too. Long-term progress is still progress.

Special thanks to Healio and Orthopedics Today for the highlight!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Results presented here showed young, athletic patients who underwent ACL reconstruction had improved psychological readiness and stress 2 years postoperatively.“[Significant stress and anxiety] ... lead to decreased psychological readiness and can affect how athletes f...

06/12/2025

Female athletes tear their ACLs two to eight times more often than male athletes. We asked a sports medicine specialist why: https://on.bchil.org/3HBV9nc

06/06/2025

What happens when 3,000+ girls run through the streets of Boston? Boston Children’s Sports Medicine team supports them! Our team of clinician volunteers had a ton of fun providing medical support and cheering like crazy for all the runners in the Spring Season Celebratory 5K hosted by Girls on the Run. Way to go team!

05/28/2025

What happens when a patient is ready to return to school after orthopedic trauma, but their school can’t accommodate them? Research at Boston Children’s aims to shed light on this all-too-common problem, read more: https://answers.childrenshospital.org/ortho-trauma-school/

05/06/2025

Our nurses are vital to patient care here in the Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Department! Join us in Celebrating Nurses’ Week 2025!

04/30/2025

04/28/2025

An ACL injury is both physical and emotional — just ask Jackie. She relied on supportive family and friends to keep her confidence up after an ACL tear. Today, she’s playing with as much determination and skill as ever! https://on.bchil.org/3YiYYmK