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Arun R. Hariharan, MD, MS

Arun Hariharan Pediatric Spine Surgeon at Paley Institute

Arun R. Hariharan, MD, MS

Pediatric Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon

(561) 602-9155

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Dr. Arun Hariharan, a board-certified and double fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon, joined the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute in October 2022. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for children with spine-related conditions, hip dysplasia, and pediatric fractures. His extensive experience spans the full spectrum of pediatric orthopedics, with a specialized focus on complex spinal deformities, early detection and treatment of hip dysplasia, and advanced techniques in managing childhood fractures. Dr. Hariharans’ passion for improving outcomes through personalized care makes him a trusted expert for families seeking exceptional orthopedic care for their children.

Dr. Hariharan attended medical school at the University of Michigan and completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Maryland. He further pursued his passion for pediatric orthopedics through a fellowship at the Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, specializing in pediatric orthopedic surgery. To refine his expertise in advanced spine surgery techniques, he trained at Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, completing a dedicated pediatric spine fellowship.

He is an accomplished researcher, having authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and presented at national conferences. He is a member of the Harms Study Group (HSG)/Setting Scoliosis Straight, a prestigious collaborative focused on advancing spinal deformity care. Notably, he received the prestigious Russel A. Hibbs Best Clinical Research Paper Award and the Louis A. Goldstein Best Clinical Research Poster Paper Award at the Spine Research Society Meeting in 2020.

Dr. Hariharan treats the full spectrum of pediatric orthopedic conditions, including fractures, with a particular focus on complex spinal conditions such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis. He also specializes in managing hip dysplasia, spina bifida, and skeletal dysplasias, as well as offering tailored care for children with Prader-Willi Syndrome. His surgical expertise extends to advanced procedures like Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT), halo traction, and growth-friendly techniques, including MAGEC rods.

A firm advocate of evidence-based medicine and cutting-edge technology, Dr. Hariharan is committed to providing the most up-to-date and effective care for his patients. He takes pride in tailoring treatments to each child’s unique needs, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Outside of work, he cherishes time with his wife, their two sons, and their dogs. He is an avid fan of Michigan Football and Basketball.

Dr. Hariharan consults with patients at two places: the Paley Institute in West Palm Beach and in Fort Lauderdale at the Cantor Spine Center at the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute clinic. For appointments, call (561) 602-9155.

Board Certification

American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Arun Hariharan’s Areas of Interest

  • Growth plate injuries and disorders
  • Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
  • Leg length discrepancy
  • Osteochondritis dissecans
  • Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)
  • Perthes disease
  • Pediatric flatfoot
  • Tarsal coalition
  • Pediatric sports injuries, including overuse injuries
  • Patellar dislocation and instability
  • Pediatric trigger finger and trigger thumb
  • Kyphosis, including Scheuermann’s disease
  • Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis
  • Spina bifida
  • Tethered spinal cord syndrome
  • Congenital spine anomalies
  • Early onset scoliosis
  • Juvenile scoliosis
  • Adolescent scoliosis
  • Young adult scoliosis
  • Cervical spine disorders, including atlantoaxial instability
  • Vertebral body tethering
  • Prader Willi Syndrome
  • Down Syndrome
  • Cri-du-Chat Syndrome
  • MAGEC rods
  • Cerebral palsy: spasticity management, orthopedic interventions
  • Muscular dystrophies
  • Spinal muscular atrophy
  • Charcot Marie Tooth
  • Myelomeningocele (a form of spina bifida)
  • Hereditary sensory and motor neuropathies
  • Upper and lower extremity fractures, including complex periarticular injuries
  • Growth plate fractures and their complications
  • Polytrauma management
  • Non-accidental trauma (child abuse)
  • Compartment syndrome in children
  • Sports-related injuries and concussions
  • Achondroplasia and other forms of dwarfism
  • Osteogenesis imperfecta Marfan syndrome
  • Fibrous dysplasia
  • Metabolic bone diseases affecting children (e.g., rickets, osteopetrosis)
  • Mucopolysaccharidoses (e.g., Hurler syndrome)
  • Diastrophic dysplasia
  • Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita
  • Pediatric bone and joint infections (osteomyelitis, septic arthritis)
  • Benign bone tumors and cysts (e.g., unicameral bone cyst, osteochondroma)

Education & Training

Undergraduate
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Medical School
University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI

Residency
University of Maryland/R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD
Orthopedic Surgery

Fellowship
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Nemours/A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE
Pediatric Spine Surgery Starship Children’s Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

Assistant Professor
FAU School of Medicine

Hospital Affiliations

St. Mary’s Medical Center

Professional Affiliations

  • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Scoliosis Research Society
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America
  • Florida Orthopedic Society

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