Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
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About Dr. Scher
Dr. David M. Scher is a board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon within the Lerner Children’s Pavilion at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). His practice is dedicated to the comprehensive care of children with complex musculoskeletal conditions, ranging from acute childhood fractures to severe congenital and developmental disorders.
Dr. Scher’s areas of expertise focus on:
- pediatric foot deformities including extensive experience utilizing the Ponseti Method for clubfoot correction and complex foot reconstructions.
- cerebral palsy and neuromuscular conditions including management of hip displacement and development of strategies to optimize walking
- implementation of advanced motion analysis technologies including 3D instrumented gait analysis
Pediatric hip disorders including early diagnosis and specialized treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) - childhood fractures and trauma
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Scher co-directs The Leon Root Motion Analysis Laboratory, overseeing both clinical evaluation and research to improve gait in individuals with childhood onset neuromuscular conditions. A dedicated educator, he also serves as Associate Program Director of the Orthopedic Residency Program at HSS. Nationally, Dr. Scher is a frequent lecturer and committee member for prominent organizations, including AAOS, POSNA, and AACPDM.
As an active advocate for adaptive sports, Dr. Scher serves as co-Medical Director for the Penny Doerge Adaptive Academy at HSS , regularly volunteering to help our young adaptive athletes experience the joy of movement.
Profile Video
Special Expertise
Foot Disorders and Deformities in Children
Musculoskeletal Care of Cerebral Palsy
Hip Disorders in Infants and Children
Fractures in Children
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Patient ratings for Dr. Scher
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.
Credentials
Appointments
Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, Hospital for Special Surgery
Co-Medical Director, Leon Root Motion Analysis Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery
Associate Orthopedic Residency Program Director, Hospital for Special Surgery
Professor, Clinical Orthopedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College
Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Affiliations
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Fellow
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Diplomate
Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, Active Member
Pediatric Orthopaedic Club of New York, Active Member
American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Fellow
Certifications
American Board of Orthopaedic SurgeryAwards
Castle Connolly Top Doctor - 15 Years
Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor, 2017-2025
Castle Connolly Top Doctors in New York Metro Area, 2010-2025
New York Magazine Top Doctors, 2017-2025
Phillip D. Wilson, Jr. Teaching Award, 2014
Recipient of POSNA/OREF Start-up Research Grant, 2015
AACPDM/Pedal-with-Pete Cerebral Palsy Research Grant, 2015
Education
BS, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 1989
MD, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 1993
Internship:NYU Medical Center, General Surgery , New York, 1994
Residency:NYU Langone-Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Surgery, New York, NY, 1999
Fellowship:Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, 2000
State Licensure
New York, New Jersey
Languages
EnglishFor My Patients
Patient Information
Publications by Dr. Scher
Patient Education
Selected Journal Articles
Research
Clinical Trials / Research Studies
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. Scher as of May 26, 2026.
- Bionic Power, Inc. - Advisory Board
- CoLift Clinics - Advisory Board
- Joint Effort Administrative Services Organization, LLC (“JEASO”) - Ownership Interest- (Through JEASO- de minimis owner of the Recovery Shop)
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.