Shriners Children's Chicago Researcher Awarded $3.2 million NIH Grant to Study Foot Deformities

Shriners Children's Chicago is committed to advancing care and research in pediatric orthopedic conditions. Our research focus includes common pediatric orthopedic conditions, as these can have serious implications for a subset of patients' quality of life. As part of that work, in September 2025, Karen Kruger, Ph.D., of Shriners Children's Chicago’s motion analysis center, was awarded a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant totaling $3.18 million. This follows an initial $2 million commitment by Shriners Children's research grants to support the work.

The project aims to further doctors' understanding of pediatric flatfoot deformities, which are common in young children. Many grow out of it, but some do not, and the condition causes problems as they grow. “A lot of those children who have flat feet will be asymptomatic, but a subset go on to develop pain and a collapsed arch,” said Kruger. “In children with cerebral palsy, it may be as high as 60-70%.”

Five-Year Study with Weight-Bearing CT

The five-year study will assess weight-bearing computed tomography and its ability to provide 3D imaging for use in developing children. Kruger said the goal is to close “the large knowledge gap in understanding foot pathologies through growth and development.” The study includes collaborations with university partners and will follow 100 Shriners Children’s patients across three locations, including Chicago, over three years. They'll look at children 7 to 16 years old whose arch did not develop or was impacted by their medical condition. “We really think Shriners Children's is in a position to be an international leader in foot and ankle research. We have some really great academic collaborators.”

A Prestigious Award

This is Dr. Kruger’s first NIH grant as a principal investigator. Experts estimate that only 10% of NIH R01 research grants are funded annually. “This grant was made possible due to this longstanding collaboration with Shriners Children's, which provided all of the pilot data,” said Kruger.

“Dr. Kruger’s hard work and tenacity have paid off,” added Ross Chafetz, PT, DPT, Ph.D., MPH, corporate director of motion analysis centers. “She is a leader both nationally and internationally, and we are proud to have her represent Shriners Children’s.”