About Me
I’m a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at MetroHealth, where I’ve been caring for children and families since 2010. I specialize in treating limb deformities, hip conditions, and foot problems—helping kids move more comfortably and confidently as they grow.
I completed my medical training at Johns Hopkins University, followed by orthopaedic residency at University Hospitals in Cleveland and a pediatric orthopaedic fellowship at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. My approach is centered on listening, collaboration, and creating personalized treatment plans that fit each child’s unique needs.
Whether it’s correcting a deformity or managing a complex condition, I’m here to support families every step of the way with compassionate care and clear communication. It’s a privilege to help children thrive and get back to doing what they love.
Research interests include limb deformity, hip pathology and estimating skeletal maturity. Dr. Liu has received research awards from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society, Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society, and other national organizations.
Deputy Editor of Hip and Lower Extremity, Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics
Executive Board Member, American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Orthopaedics
PubMed Publications
- Polydactyly and Risk of Cancer Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: Nonsyndromic polydactyly seems to be associated with increased rates of neoplasms, particularly benign neoplasms. However, site-specific cancers of bone, cartilage, and breast were significantly decreased in polydactyly patients. Although our large study further investigates this complex relationship, further studies are needed to elucidate polydactyly and its cancer implications.
- Behavior of Locked Intramedullary Implants Spanning the Distal Femoral Growth Plate: Results From an Ovine Model Abstract: CONCLUSION: Placement of a retrograde femoral nail with a metaphyseal interlocking screw resulted in a mean violation of 5.4% of the growth plate, with proximal implant migration across the physis in all specimens. Shortening of the operative limb was greater and histologic findings more abnormal in specimens sacrificed at 5 versus 9 months, suggesting resumption of more normal growth plate activity with time.
- Comparison of Chronological, Greulich-Pyle, and Modified Fels Skeletal Ages in Patients with Unilateral Infantile and Adolescent Blount Diseases Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed relatively advanced SA in patients with both forms of Blount disease. mFels SA was generally comparable in affected and unaffected extremities in these conditions. Given the epiphysial distortion typical of infantile Blount disease, comparability of affected/unaffected sides was an unexpected finding and should be validated by a larger cohort. Nevertheless, we recommend familiarization with and use of the mFels SA determination in these conditions.
- Investigation of the relationship between femoral neck-shaft angle, age, and sex in developing children Abstract: Femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA) is a standard measurement for identifying hip pathology. Prior normative investigations relied on single radiographs from various children and lacked serial radiographs from the same individuals. Existing reference values do not explicitly differentiate by sex. In addition, they overlook the variability of this measurement in younger children. This study uses consecutive serial images to explore yearly changes and enhance our understanding of established patterns...
- Do the Skin Colors Depicted in Orthopedic Literature Reflect the Population? Abstract: CONCLUSION: While there has been a mild improvement over time in the diversity of skin colors represented, the depiction of darker skin types in orthopedic literature still falls well short of that seen in the general population. [Orthopedics. 2025;48(4):197-202.].
- Outcomes Following Total Joint Arthroplasty in 1,826 Patients Who Have Skeletal Dysplasia: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal dysplasia patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty are at a higher risk of certain medical and orthopaedic complications compared to patients who do not have skeletal dysplasia. These elevated risks did not translate to higher rates of the majority of orthopaedic complications. With appropriate management, TJA can be a durable and effective treatment option in this patient population.
- A Rare Case of Non-traumatic Tension Pneumocephalus Following a Lumbar Puncture: Unusual Complications of a Common Procedure Abstract: Tension pneumocephalus is a rare but severe complication characterized by intracranial air accumulation, leading to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). While it is most commonly associated with trauma, surgical interventions, tumors, or infections, spontaneous cases related to skull base defects and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are uncommon. We present what we believe to be one of the first reported cases of tension pneumocephalus following a diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) in an otherwise...
- Research progress on earthworms and soil health Abstract: Soil health, reflecting the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil is closely related to soil functions and plant productivity. Soil health is crucial for ensuring food security, ecological balance, and human health. Earthworms are known as ecosystem engineers, due to their unique biological characteristics. They are not only indicators of soil health but also play an important role in improving soil health. Earthworms have profound impacts on soil health through their...
- Response to Rehm et al commentary: Less common than expected: late displacement after minimally displaced pediatric lateral condyle fractures of the elbow Abstract: No abstract
- Dysfunctional BCAA degradation triggers neuronal damage through disrupted AMPK-mitochondrial axis due to enhanced PP2Ac interaction Abstract: Metabolic and neurological disorders commonly display dysfunctional branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, though it is poorly understood how this leads to neurological damage. We investigated this by generating Drosophila mutants lacking BCAA-catabolic activity, resulting in elevated BCAA levels and neurological dysfunction, mimicking disease-relevant symptoms. Our findings reveal a reduction in neuronal AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, which disrupts autophagy in mutant...
- Quantifying the Scope of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Writing in Orthopaedic Medical Literature: An Analysis of Prevalence and Validation of AI-Detection Software Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: As this study found an early, albeit modest, effect of generative AI on the orthopaedic literature, proper oversight will play a critical role in maintaining research integrity and accuracy. AI detectors may play a critical role in regulatory efforts, although they will require further development and standardization to the interpretation of their results.
- Human spinal height growth: a description of normal spine growth patterns and adult spine height prediction from a longitudinal cohort Abstract: CONCLUSION: This study identifies multipliers of spinal growth determination and identifies their values relative to the adolescent growth spurt timing which is known to be closely related to skeletal maturity. Timing compared to the PGA(90%) provides reliable predictions of final spine length for both sexes.
- Automated Cobb angle measurement in scoliosis radiographs: A deep learning approach for screening Abstract: No abstract
- Analysis of Serial Foot Radiographs to Determine Foot Height Multipliers Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: This paper provides a database of foot height multipliers. Foot height seems to grow on a different trajectory than other lower limb components, confirming that one should consider separate multiplier values. The difference created by the foot height multiplier versus the lower extremity multiplier appears to be modest. Separate use of the foot height multiplier may only be necessary for young children with large foot height discrepancies, but further study to confirm the lack of...
- Reply to the Letter to the Editor: How Prominent Are Gender Bias, Racial Bias, and Score Inflation in Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Recommendation Letters? A Systematic Review Abstract: No abstract
Education & Training
Education
Fellowship
Rady Children's Hospital (California) – Pediatric OrthopedicsResidency
University Hospitals of Cleveland (Ohio) – Surgery, OrthopaedicMedical Education
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Maryland) MDInternship
University Hospitals of Cleveland (Ohio) – Surgery, General