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Jessica H. Heyer, MD

Lerner Children's Pavilion at Hospital for Special Surgery logoPediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Surgery
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About Dr. Heyer

Dr. Jessica Heyer is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, specializing in the treatment of spine disorders and fracture care.

Dr. Heyer completed her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating summa cum laude. She attended New York University School of Medicine and went on to complete her residency in orthopedic surgery at George Washington University. While in residency, she discovered her passion for taking care of children. Dr. Heyer continued her training at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where she completed her fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Heyer is interested in pediatric spinal deformity, treating patients of all ages, from birth to early adulthood. In patients with early onset scoliosis, Dr. Heyer particularly enjoys that she gets to be a part of the child's development, getting to know both the patient and his or her family throughout their growth. She believes in maximizing nonoperative treatment options, whenever possible, to help keep children out of the operating room. Her research interests and projects revolve around getting a better understanding of the progression of scoliosis, which treatment techniques are appropriate for which patients, and how to improve the outcomes of patients with scoliosis.

Beyond spinal deformity, Dr. Heyer is also passionate about caring for patients with fractures and osteogenesis imperfecta, with the goal of getting children back to their pre-injury lives. She has written several book chapters and research articles on fracture care and subsequent outcomes.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. Heyer is a member of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) and the Ruth Jackson Society. She is excited about inspiring the next generation of women (and men) to join the fantastic field of orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Heyer is excited to care for the pediatric population in and around New York City. She is committed to providing excellent care and getting to know her patients and their families. Dr. Heyer has dedicated herself to getting kids back on their feet so they can enjoy being a kid.

In her free time, Dr. Heyer enjoys spending time with her husband, golden retriever, and extended family. She is loves to run, ski, spin, listen to podcasts, and read.

Profile Video

Departments

Special Expertise

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Congenital scoliosis
Early onset scoliosis
Growing magnetic rods for scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis
Non-operative scoliosis treatment (Bracing, Mehta casting)
Osteogenesis imperfecta
Pediatric fractures
Pediatric spine deformity surgery
Scheuermann's kyphosis

Procedures

Boston, Providence and Rigo brace for scoliosis
Growth friendly spine surgery
Kyphosis surgery
Mehta casting
MAGEC growing rod surgery
Scoliosis surgery
Spinal fusion and instrumentation

Patient Stories

Videos

Insurance

If your insurance is not listed, please call our office if you have questions regarding your insurance coverage. If you have out-of-network benefits, then your insurance may reimburse you for a portion of your office visit. We will work with you and your insurance to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. Financial assistance may be available for patients in need.

Credentials

Appointments

Assistant Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, Hospital for Special Surgery
Assistant Professor in Orthopedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College
Assistant Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Affiliations

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA)
Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society

Awards

Junior Resident Award of Excellence, George Washington Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, 2017
Summa Cum Laude, University of Pennsylvania, 2011
Student Award of Merit, University of Pennsylvania, 2011
Chemistry Department Merck & Co Award, 2011
University of Pennsylvania Dean's List 2007-2011
Varsity Letter, University of Pennsylvania 2007-2010

Education

New York University School of Medicine

Internship

George Washington University, Orthopaedic Surgery

Residency

George Washington University, Orthopaedic Surgery

Fellowship

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship

State Licensure

Languages

English

Publications by Dr. Heyer

Patient Education

Selected Journal Articles

Selected Books/Chapters

Heyer JH, Friend KL. Tibial Injury (Proximal). In: Coleman N, ed. Common Pediatric Knee Injuries. 1st ed. New York, NY: Springer Publishing, 2021.

Heyer JH, Neviaser A. Subacromial decompression and acromioplasty. In: Dines J, Dines D, Gulotta L, eds. Shoulder Surgery: Tricks of the Trade. 1st ed. New York, NY: Thieme Publishers, 2019.

Heyer JH, Baldwin KD. Flexible nailing of pediatric forearm fractures. In: Sink E, ed. Surgical Insights: Pediatric Orthopedic Emergencies. AAOS.

Selected Presentations

Heyer JH, Cahill PJ, Flynn JM, Anari JB. Learning from air travel: Utilizing a checklist prior to closing (landing) in pediatric spine surgery. Safety in Spine Surgery Conference. Virtual Conference. April 15, 2021. Award Winner: Best New Methodologies and Techniques to Enhance Safety in Spine Surgery.

Lee R, Lee D, Fassihi SC, Heyer JH, Weinreb J, Ramamurti P, Iweala U. Risk factors for blood transfusions in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Southern Orthopaedic Association's 37th Annual Meeting, Virtual Conference. July 22-25, 2020.

Sheppard ED, Cichos KH, Hughes AJ, Swansen T, Heyer JH, McGwin Jr G, Ghanem ES, Gilbert S, Kelly S, Debritz J, Spitler CA. Outcomes of pediatric acetabular fractures managed operatively: results of a large, consecutive series of patients from 3 large academic medical centers. POSNA 2020, Virtual Conference. May 14, 2020.

Heyer JH, Lynch T, Parry T, Neviaser A. Rate of Venous Thromboembolism after Surgical Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures. 14th International Congress of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. Buenos Aires, Argentina. September 20, 2019.

Lee D, Lee R, Strum D, Heyer JH, Swansen T, Pandarinath R. Severity of chronic kidney disease as an independent risk factor for increased 30-day complication rates in revision total knee arthroplasty. Podium Presentation: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting 2019. Las Vegas, NV. March 12-16, 2019.

Heyer JH, Lynch T, Parry T, Neviaser A. Venous thromboembolic events after proximal humerus fracture surgical treatment without chemoprophylaxis. Podium Presentation: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting 2018. New Orleans, LA. March 6-10, 2018.

Heyer JH, Dai A, Rose DJ. Video: Os trigonum excision via an open posteromedial approach. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting 2018. New Orleans, LA. March 6-10, 2018.

Heyer JH, Rose DJ. Painful os trigonum excision in dancers via an open posteromedial approach. AAOS 2017 Annual Meeting: Foot and Ankle Poster Tour Presentation. San Diego, CA. March 14-18, 2017.

Research

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

HSS has a long history of supporting appropriate relationships with industry because they advance HSS's mission to provide the highest quality patient care, improve patient mobility, and enhance the quality of life for all, and to advance the science of orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, and their related disciplines through research and education.

Below are the healthcare industry relationships reported by Dr. Heyer as of March 23, 2023.

Schoen Clinic - Ownership Interest

HSS and its physicians make this information available to patients and the public, thus creating a transparent environment for those who are interested in this information. Further, the HSS Conflicts of Interest and Commitment Policy prohibits physicians from collecting royalties on products they develop that are used on patients at HSS.

Patients should feel free to ask their HSS physicians questions about these relationships.

Dr. Heyer in the News