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.

Appointments:

Lillian T. Pratt Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor of Pediatrics

Specialty:

Orthopaedic Surgery

Subspecialty:

Pediatric Orthopaedics & Spinal Surgery

Special Expertise:

Management of spinal disorders in children and adolescents

Management of neuromuscular condition especially cerebral palsy occurring in children

Awards:

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

Education:

1976 Graduated Phi Beta Kappa & Magna Cum Laude
University of Connecticut

1982 Medical Degree - Tulane University School of Medicine with induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha honors society & Oscar Creech Award for Surgery

Residency:

1983 Surgical Internship - Washington University & Barnes Hospital,
St. Louis, MO

1983-88 Orthopaedic Surgery Residency -University of California, San Diego

Fellowship:

1989 Fellowship Training in Pediatric Orthopaedics at San Diego Children's
Hospital & UC San Diego

Certification:

Orthopaedic Surgery Board Certification through the
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery through 2011

State License:

Virginia

Research Description:

Exoskeleton Orthotic Systems for Individuals with Mobility Disorder
U. C. Berkeley and University of Virginia
Period of Performance: 06/2008 - 09/2011

Effects of Scoliosis on Dynamic Spinal Function
Period of Performance: 07/2003 - 07/2008

An Adaptive Haptic Interface Device for Persons with Disability
Period of Performance: 06/2007 - 09/2009

Clinical Trials:

Growth Effects in Ambulatory Children with Cerebral Palsy
Period of Performance: 6/07 - present

BRAIST - Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial Period of Performance: 1/1/07 - 12/31/11 Prospective

Pediatric Scoliosis Study - Surgical Changes from Management of Idiopathic Scoliosis Period of Performance: 1/07 - present

Patient Stories:

"Dear Mark, I'm not sure but I bet my children get more than their usual dose of attention from their Dr... You have ...opened a whole new world for her. [by introducing adaptive skiing]"

"Dear Dr. Abel & staff, Y'all were so supportive and kind to J-M [while she was treated for scoliosis]....J-M has been accepted to the prestigious American Ballet Theatre... Thanks to all of you for your part."

"...Dr. Abel, I think you're a wonderful Doctor. You take time to explain things but you also have a great bedside manner...picking up E and hugging him... your expression of empathy and concern [is unique]!"

In the News:

Fox News:
Motion Analysis in Medicine July 29, 2001

Health Talk Channel 29 News, Charlottesville:
Cerebral Palsy & Motion Analysis- October 26, 1999
Children's Fractures- April 18, 2000
Farming and Lawn equipment injuries- July 15, 2003
Treatment of Spasticity in Children: December 26, 2003
Scoliosis Treatment: May, 2004

Publications

Orthopaedic Pediatrics Division

Top