Dr. Pierz treats a variety of musculoskeletal problems, and has a special interest in gait abnormalities. The Center for Motion Analysis, often referred to as the “gait lab,” studies walking disorders along with more complicated movements such as running, throwing, and jumping. Dr. Pierz is an expert in the treatment of limb deformity, and performs limb lengthening and shortening procedures as well as corrects other bone deformities using a variety of techniques, including minimally invasive growth plate surgeries and complex Ilizarov external fixation devices. Dr. Pierz also specializes in the treatment of cerebral palsy, child and adolescent trauma, clubfeet, developmental dysplasia of the hip, and injury prevention.

Dr. Pierz is a member of the following professional organizations: the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS’s Committee on the Medical Aspect of Sport), the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, the Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, and Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society.

Education

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Residency

University of Connecticut Health Center

Fellowship

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

  • Orthopedic Surgery

Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

  • Ounpuu S, Garibay E, Acsadi G, Brimacombe M, Pierz K: The impact of orthoses on gait in children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Gait Posture.2021 Mar;85:198-204. (doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.01.005. Epub. 2021 Feb. 12. PMID 33610823)
  • Pierz K*: CORR Insights: Is social deprivation associated with PROMIS outcomes after upper extremity fractures in children? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2021 Apr 1;479(4);835-837. (doi: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000001620. PMID 33394762)
  • Rutz E, McCarthy J, Shore BJ, Shrader MW, Veerkamp M, Chambers H, Davids JR, Kay RM, Narayanan U, Novachek TF, Pierz KP, Rhodes J, Shilt J, Theologis T, Van Campenhout A, Dreher T, Graham K: Indications for gastrocsoleus lengthening in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy: a Delphi consensus study. J Child Orthop. 2020 Oct 1;14(5):405-414. (doi:10.1302/1863-2548.14.200145.PMID 33204348)
  • Ounpuu S, Pierz KA, Acsadi G, Wren TAL: Changes in walking velocity and stride parameters with age in children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Neuromusc Disord. 2020 Oct;30(10):825-832.(doi:10.1016/j.nmd.20020.08.359.Epub 2020 Aug 21. PMID 32928646).
  • Pogemiller K, Garibay E, Pierz K, Acsadi G, Ounpuu S: Comparison of gait patterns and functional measures between Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type I and II in children to young adults. Gait Posture. 2020 Mar;77:236-242. (doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.01.027.Epub 2020 Feb 1).
  • McCarthy J, Shrader WM, Graham K, Veerkamp M, Brower L, Chambers H, Davids JR, Kay RM, Narayanan U, Novacheck TF, Pierz K, Rhodes J, Ruts E, Shilt J, Shore BJ, Theologis T, Campenhout AV: Establishing surgical indications for hamstring lengthening and femoral derotation osteotomy in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy. J Child Orthop. 2020 Feb 1;14(1):50-57. (doi:10.1302/1863-2548.14.190173).
  • Pierz KA*, Lloyd JR, Solomito MH, Mack P, Ounpuu S: Lower extremity characteristics in recurrent clubfoot: clinical and gait analysis findings that may influence decisions for additional surgery. Gait Posture. 2020 Jan;75:85-92. (Epub 2019 Oct 4).
  • Hosseinzadeh P, Devries C, Saldana RE, Scherl SA, Andras LM, Schur M, Shuler FD, Mignemi M, Minaie A, Chu A, Fornari ED, Frick SL, Caird MS, Riccio AI, Pierz K, Plakas C, Herman MJ: Hoverboard injuries in children and adolescents: results of a multicenter study. J Pediatr Orthop B. 2019 Nov;28(6):555-558.
  • Ounpuu S, Solomito M, Bell K, Pierz K. Long-term outcomes of external femoral derotation osteotomies in children with cerebral palsy. Gait Posture. 2017 Jul; 56:82-88. (Epub 2017 April 29).
  • Site Director for Residency Education at Connecticut Children’s
  • Honored by the Arthritis Foundation, October 2012
  • Didactic Teaching Award – University of Connecticut School of Medicine Pediatric Residency Program, June 2008
  • Dr. Pierz is an avid soccer player

Locations for this Doctor

Exterior photo of Hartford Hospital Bone and Joint Institute (31 Seymour St.)

Connecticut Children’s Orthopedics – Hartford

31 Seymour Street
Hartford, CT06106
United States

Exterior view of 310 Western Boulevard in Glastonbury

Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center – Glastonbury

310 Western Boulevard
Glastonbury, CT06033
United States

Exterior view of 399 Farmington Ave in Farmington

Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center – Farmington (399 Farmington Ave.)

399 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT06032
United States

4.8
out of 5

Provider showed concern

4.8

Provider explained things clearly

4.8

Provider included you in decisions

4.8

Provider discussed treatment options

4.8

Likelihood of recommending this provider

4.8

Most Recent Comments

March 3, 2024
La especialista es muy amable.
February 2, 2024
I would recommend Dr. Pierz to anyone needing such care. She is an excellent doctor who provides and displays the utmost care for her patients ( all an understatement.) She is extremely knowledgeable within her field, listens carefully to concerns, provides answers to all questions, and "magical" while performing surgeries. I couldn't be more lucky to have her as my son's doctor. I am very thankful for Dr. Pierz.
February 2, 2024
The doctor was great and explained everything to both of us!
January 1, 2024
Exceptional team!
January 1, 2024
Dr. Pierz is excellent!
November 11, 2023
Dr Pierz is great. Very thorough and understanding.
November 11, 2023
Was good
October 10, 2023
Awesome
October 10, 2023
Our doctors spoke right to [...] an she mad3 Sure that she understood everything that we talked about. She was attentive to [...] every need
August 8, 2023
She was amazing
August 8, 2023
Dr Pierz is fantastic at explaining my child's condition and her plan for following him.
July 7, 2023
It was a good experience
June 6, 2023
Dr. Pierz is fantastic. She explains her thought process, does not order unnecessary tests, and is wonderful when interacting with [...].
May 5, 2023
Very good
April 4, 2023
She was awesome
April 4, 2023
Answered questions thoroughly and explained care requirements