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Contact Information

Address: P.O. Box 800159, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0159
Phone: (434) 982-4215

Training & Certification

Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego

Pediatric Orthopaedics, Children's Hospital Health Center and University of California, San Diego

Certifications:  

• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2002, 1991
• American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, 1992
• American Association of Orthopaedic Surgery, 1992
• Pediatric Orthopaedic Society, 1993
• Scoliosis Research Society, 1993

Clinical Practice

Spondylolisthesis, Spina Bifida, Scoliosis and Deformity, Perthes disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Lumbar Spondylotic Disease, Intoeing, Hip dysplasia, Fractures, Flexible flatfoot, Clubfoot, Cerbral palsy, Sprain, Strain, Trauma, Flexible Flatfoot in Children, Developmental Dislocation (Dysplasia) of the Hip (DDH), Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Pediatric Thighbone (Femur) Fracture, Elbow Fractures in Children, Forearm Fractures in Children, Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis, Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, Bowed Legs, Limb Length Discrepancy, Adolescent Anterior Knee Pain, Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain), Congenital Torticollis (Twisted Neck), Kyphosis (Roundback) of the Spine, Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Muscular Dystrophy, Neurofibromatosis, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Growth Plate Fractures

Management of spinal disorders in children and adolescents, Management of neuromuscular condition especially cerebral palsy occurring in children

Clinical assessments and management of spinal deformities in children. Management of cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular conditions.

Background

Dr. Abel, after serving as interim chair of the department of Orthopaedic Surgery between 2002 and 2003, assumed the  chairmanship of the department in August of 2008. In addition to the department leadership, he is also the director of the Motion Analysis and Motor Performance Laboratory and division head of pediatric orthopaedics His subspecialty interest in children's Orthopaedics includes the management of spinal deformities and other musculo-skeletal conditions affecting children especially those with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders. Along with his administrative and clinical roles, Dr. Abel is a research investigator in several projects involving children including multi-center trials for the management of spinal deformities and projects through the Shriner's Hospital to assess development and growth in children with cerebral palsy and a project to develop a Smart Walker and other devices to enhance participation of individuals with handicaps in the community. In his career he has over fifty peer-reviewed articles and is the author of fourteen book chapters. He is also the last editor and chief of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Orthopaedic Knowledge Update in Pediatric Orthopaedics published in 2006.

• Research Awards from American Academy for Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Medicine:
• 1996 For Study on: Relationship of Gait Analysis to Gross Motor Function in Cerebral Palsy"
• 2000 For Study entitled: "Relationships Among Musculoskeletal Impairment, Function and Perceived Health Status in Spastic CP: A multi-center collaboration"
• 2000 Original Research Award: Southern Medical Association: "For outstanding clinical research" in Southern Region
• 2000 Admitted to American Orthopaedic Association: "Membership reflects leadership in orthopaedic surgery through teaching & research"
• 2004 Awarded Alfred R. Shands, Jr Endowed Chair, at the University of Virginia
• 2006-2007 & 2007-2008 Named in "Best Doctors in America" by physician peers
• 2008 Named Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Virginia

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