Daniel Hedequist

Daniel Hedequist MD is an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School and serves as Chief of the Spine Division and Co-Director of the Complex Cervical Spine Program at Boston Children's Hospital. His clinical expertise encompasses pediatric spine surgery with a focus on congenital scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis treatment.

Dr. Hedequist received his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1995, completed his internship and residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (2000), and pursued a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics at Boston Children's Hospital (2001). He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

His research focuses on advancing pediatric spine surgery through innovations in robotic-assisted techniques, surgical safety protocols, and outcome assessment. Dr. Hedequist has pioneered work in cervical spine stabilization, growth-friendly instrumentation for early onset scoliosis, and telehealth applications for scoliosis evaluation. His publications reveal a strong emphasis on minimizing surgical complications, improving patient safety in robotic spine procedures, and addressing health disparities in orthopedic care.

As Chief of the Spine Division at Boston Children's Hospital—the largest pediatric spine center in the United States—Dr. Hedequist leads a multidisciplinary team specializing in both non-surgical and surgical management of complex spinal conditions in children. The Complex Cervical Spine Program he co-directs brings together specialists in spinal surgery, neurosurgery, radiology, and anesthesia to treat rare and complex cervical spine conditions.

His clinical approach emphasizes non-invasive treatments whenever possible, including bracing for scoliosis and casting for fractures, before considering surgical intervention. Dr. Hedequist has developed significant expertise in managing spinal conditions in children with complex medical histories including Down syndrome, Prune Belly Syndrome, and congenital heart disease.