J. Michael Wattenbarger, MD
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- B.S., University of Texas
- M.D., University of Texas Southwestern
- Internship, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern
- Fellowship, Pediatric Orthopedics and Scoliosis, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
In 1996, Dr. Wattenbarger joined Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina) and launched the region's first comprehensive pediatric orthopedic center. He enjoys treating healthy children with acute injuries as well as special-needs children who need extensive orthopedic care.
Growing up in Littleton, CO, Dr. Wattenbarger first became interested in orthopedics in the ninth grade, after he broke his arm in wrestling. But first followed in the career footsteps of his grandfather, father and brother, spending two years as a petroleum engineer. After deciding that medicine should be his chosen career, Dr. Wattenbarger attended the University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas, where he also completed his orthopedic surgery residency. Prior to joining Miller Orthopaedic Clinic, he completed a fellowship under Dr. Tony Herring at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. There he was involved in research on scoliosis and elbow fractures in children.
Dr. Wattenbarger has a special interest in scoliosis and spinal reconstructive surgery in children, including thorascopic spinal surgery. He is involved in the care of children with special needs such as cerebral palsy and myelomeningocele, and children with skeletal dysplasias and other congenital problems, including congenital amputations. Dr. Wattenbarger also specializes in the treatment of clubfoot, developmental dysplasia of the hip, Perthes and other unusual childhood orthopedic problems.
He is actively involved in training the orthopedic residents at Carolinas Medical Center and continues to publish and lecture on both the local and national levels. Currently, he continues his basic science work in the healing of physeal fractures.