photo of Jessica H. Heyer, MD

Jessica H. Heyer, MD

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

Dr. Jessica Heyer is a board certified 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

Spinal deformity 
Pediatric Fractures 
Osteogenesis Imperfecta 

Spine: 
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis
Early Onset Scoliosis
Neuromuscular Scoliosis 
Congenital Scoliosis
Scheuermann's Kyphosis
Spondylolysis/Spondylolisthesis 

Operative and Non-Operative Management of Spine:
Boston, Providence, Rigo Bracing for scoliosis
Growth-Friendly Surgery for Scoliosis: Magnetically controlled growing rods, traditional growing rods, vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR)
Posterior spinal fusion for Spinal Deformity
Mehta Casting  

Pediatric Fractures (Broken Bones):
Humerus Fractures
Elbow Fractures 
Forearm (radius/ulna) Fractures
Wrist Fractures
Femur (thigh bone) Fractures
Tibia/Fibula (shin bone) Fractures
Ankle Fractures
Clavicle (collar bone) Fractures
 

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

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

Affiliations

Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA)
Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society
Setting Scoliosis Straight registry (SSS) 

Certification

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2024

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

Medical: 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

For My Patients

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, Mitchell SL, Flynn JM, Anari JB. How long is long enough? A Modern-Day timeline for monitoring the perfused pulseless supracondylar humerus fracture postoperatively. Podium Presentation, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America Annual Meeting 2022. Vancouver, CA. May 11-14, 2022. 

Heyer JH, Anari JB, Mitchell SL, Baldwin KD, Flynn JM, Pediatric Spine Study Group, Cahill PJ. There is no magic to it: lengthening behavior of magnetically controlled growing rods in early onset scoliosis. Podium presentation. International Congress on Early Onset Scoliosis Annual Conference 2022. Rome, Italy. November 16-18, 2022.

Heyer JH, Wisch JL, Nagra KN, Thakur A, Groisser GN, Hillstrom HJ, Zucker CP, Cunningham ME, Blanco J, Hresko MT, Haddas R, DiMaio MF, Widmann RF. Surface topographic chest volume measurements strongly correlate with pulmonary function volume measurements in pediatric spinal deformity patients. Podium presentation. Scoliosis Research Society Annual Meeting 2023. Seattle, Washington. September 6-9, 2023. 

Heyer JH, Wisch JL, Nagra KN, Thakur A, Hillstrom HJ, Groisser GN, Zucker CP, Cunningham ME, Hresko MT, Haddas R, DiMaio MF, Widmann RF. Novel surface topographic assessment of pulmonary function in pediatric spinal deformity patients. Podium presentation. American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting 2023. Washington, DC. October 20-24, 2023. 

Widmann RF, Wisch JL, Zucker CP, Tracey OC, Feddema T, Miller F, Linden GS, Erikson M, Heyer JH. Analysis of 5,525 consecutive pedicle screws placed utilizing robotically-assisted surgical navigation: surgical safety and early complications. Podium presentation. International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques (IMAST) 2024. San Diego, CA. April 10-13, 2024.

Welch N, Bosco AP, Henstenburg JM, Birch CM, Hogue GD, Hresko MT, Erickson MA, Widman RF, Heyer JH, Ross KE, Murphy RF, Devito DP, Hedequist DJ. Safety data for robotics coupled with navigation for pediatric spine surgery: initial intraoperative results from a prospective multicenter registry. Podium presentation. International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques (IMAST) 2024. San Diego, CA. April 10-13, 2024. 

Adhiyaman A, Linden G, Zucker C, Wisch J, Thakur A, Hillstrom H, Groisser B, Mintz D, Cunningham M, Haddas R, Hresko T, Blanco J, Widmann RF, Heyer JH. Surface topography demonstrates gradual improvement in spinal range of motion in all three planes following posterior spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Podium presentation.  International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment Annual Meeting 2024. Boston, MA. May 1-4, 2024. 

Cirrincione PC, Thakur A, Zucker C, Wisch J, Groisser B, Cunningham ME, Hresko MT, Haddas R, Hillstrom HJ, Widmann RF, Heyer JH. What’s sore about scoliosis? A prospective cohort study correlating PROM’s, radiographic measurements, and surface topography with pain. Podium presentation. International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment Annual Meeting 2023 (SpineWeek). Melbourne, Australia. May 1-5, 2023. 

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 May 27, 2024.

  • Joint Effort Administrative Services - Ownership Interest
  • 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