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Malcolm L. Ecker, MD

Malcolm L. Ecker, MD

Malcolm L. Ecker, MD

Malcolm L. Ecker, MD, is an attending surgeon in the Orthopedic Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with a focus on spine disorders in children, fractures and general orthopedics.

Areas of expertise: Disorders of the Pediatric spine, Fractures, General pediatric orthopedics, Scoliosis

Locations: Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care


215-590-1527

About Malcolm L. Ecker, MD

Titles

Attending Surgeon

Associate Professor Emeritus of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Certifications

Orthopaedic Surgery – American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Education & training

Medical Degree

MD - Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

Internship

Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA

Residency

Boston City Hospital, Boston, MA
The Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY

Team affiliations

View fewer all team affiliations View all all team affiliations

Publications

Publications

2022

CORR Insights: Moderate Weightbearing Restrictions are Associated with Worse Depressive Symptoms and Anxiety in Children Aged 5 to 7 Years with Perthes Disease. Ecker, M. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 480: 600-601, 2022.

2021

A hierarchical classification of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Identifying the distinguishing features in 3D spinal deformities. Pasha, S., Hassanzadeh, P., Ecker, M., Ho, V. Pos ONE:2019, Mar 21.

2018

Considerations in Sagittal Evaluation of The Scoliotic Spine.  Pasha, S., Ecker,M., Deeney,V. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol: Aug;28(6):1039-1045, 2018.

2013

Ecker, ML. CORR Insights: Restoration of The Hip Center During THA Performed for Protrusion Acetabula is Associated with Better Implant Survival. Clin. Orthop Relat Res.471:3260-1, 2013

2009

Markowits RI, Meyer JS, Tomlinson C,  Ecker M. CR/PACS for Scoliosis:  A Turn for the Better? Radiology Management  31: 22-27, 2009.

2008

Auerbach JD. Ahn J, Zgonis MH, Reddy SC, Ecker ML, Flynn, JM.  Streamlining the Evaluation of Low Back Pain in Children.  Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 466:1971- 1977, 2008

2007

Wills BP, Auerbach JD, Zhu X, Caird MS, Horn BD, Flynn JM, Drummond DS, Dormans JP, Ecker ML. Comparison of Cobb angle measurement of scoliosis radiographs with preselected end vertebrae: traditional versus digital acquisition. Spine 32:98-105, 2007.

2004

Rose JB, Markowitz SD, Gundlapalli SP, Fishkin S, Ecker ML. Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Infarction: An Unusual Complication of Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery in an Adolescent with Idiopathic Scoliosis.  Anesthesiology 100:1308-11, 2004

Flynn J, Luedtke L, Ganley T, Dawson J, Davidson R, Dormans J, Ecker M, Gregg J, Horn D, and Drummond  D. Comparison of Titanium Elastic Nails with Traction and A Spica Cast to Treat Femoral Fractures in Children. J of Bone and Joint Surg. 86-A:770-777, 2004.

J. Flynn, S. Sodha, S. Adams, J. Lou, B. Whitfield, M. Ecker, L. Sutton, J. Dormans, D. Drummond. Predictors of progression of scoliosis after decompression of an Arnold Chiari I malformation. Spine. 29(3): 286-292, 2004

2003

J. Blank, J. Flynn, W. Bronson, P. Ellman, S. Pill, J. Lou, J. Dormans, D. Drummond, M. Ecker. The use of postoperative subcutaneous closed suction drainage after posterior spinal fusion in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.  J. Spinal Disorders and Techniques. 16(6): 508-12, 2003.

2000

Silber JS, Mathur S, and Ecker, MA Solitary Osteochondroma of The Pediatric Thoracic Spine: a case report and review of the literature. Amer J of Orthpaedics 29: 711-4, 2000.

Lotke PA, Ecker ML, Barth P, Lonner JH. Subchondral Magnetic Resonance Imaging Changes in Early Osteoarthrosis Associated with tibial Osteonecrosis. J of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery: 16: 76-81, 2000.

Schwartz, D.M., Drummond, D.S., Hahn,M., Ecker, M.L., and Dorman, J.P. Prevention of Positional Brachial Plexopathy (PBP) during Surgical Correction of Scoliosis.   J. of Spinal Disorders  13:178-182, 2000

1998

Ecker, M.L. Correspondence - "Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis:  Treatment with the Wilmington Brace.  A Comparison of Full-Time and Part-Time Use".  J. Bone and Joint Surg.  80-A: 1083, 1998.

1997

Ecker, M.L. Correspondence - "Porous-Coated Acetabular Components with Screw Fixation".  J. Bone and Joint Surg.  79-A: 1891, 1997.

1996

Bulman, W.A., Dormans, J.P., Ecker, M.L., and Drummond, D.S. Posterior Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis in Patients with Cerebral Palsy:  A Comparison of Luque Rod and Unit Rod Instrumentation.  J. Ped. Orthopaedics  16:  314 -323, 1996.

Ecker, M.L., Dormans, J.P., Schwartz, D.M., Drummond, D.S., and Bulman, W.A. Efficacy of Spinal Cord Monitoring in Scoliosis Surgery in Patients with Cerebral Palsy.  J. of Spinal Disorders.   9: 159 - 164, 1996.

Schwartz, D.M., Drummond, D.S., Ecker, M.L.Influence of Rigid Spinal Instrumentation on the Neurogenic Motor Evoked Potential.  J Spinal Disord. 1996 Oct;9(5):439-45.

Lotke,P.L. and Ecker, M.L. Aspirin and Warfarin for Thromboembolic Disease After Total Joint Arthroplasty.  Clin. Orthop.  324: 251 - 258, 1996.

1995

Dormans, J.P., Drummond, D.S., Sutton, L.N.,  Ecker,M.L.,and Kopacz, K.J. Occipitocervical Arthrodesis in Children.  J. Bone and Joint Surg. 77-A: 1234 - 1240, 1995.

Ecker, M.L. and Lotke, P.A. Osteonecrosis of the Medial Part of the Tibial Plateau. J. Bone and Joint Surg. 77-A: 596 - 601, 1995.

1994

Ecker, M.L., Dormans, J.P., Schwartz,D., and Drummond, D.S. Efficacy of Spinal Cord Monitoring in Scoliosis Surgery in Patients with Cerebral Palsy.  Neurological Complications of Spinal Surgery, Proceedings of the 11th GICD Congress  :  110 - 113, 1994.

Ecker, M.L. and Lotke, P.A. Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of The Knee.  J Am Acad Orthop Surg  2: 173 - 178, 1994.

Lotke,P.A., Steinberg,M.E., and Ecker, M.L.Significance of Deep Venous Thrombosis in the Lower Extremity After Total Joint Arthroplasty. Clin. Orthop.299: 25 - 30, 1994.

1991

Segal, L.S., Drummond, D.S., Zanotti,R.M., Ecker, M.L., and Mubarak,S.J. Complications of Posterior Arthrodesis of the Cervical Spine in Down Syndrome.  J. Bone and Joint Surg. 73-A: 1547 - 1554, 1991.

Lotke, P.A., Wong, R.Y., and Ecker, M.L.The Use of Methylmethacrylate in Primary Total Knee Replacements With Large Tibial Defects. Clin. Orthop.  270: 288 - 294, 1991.

Lotke, P.A., Faralli, V.J., Oremnstein, E.M., and Ecker, M.L. Blood Loss After Total Knee Replacement, Effects of Tourniquet Release and Continuous Passive Motion.  J. Bone and Joint Surg. 73-A: 1037 - 1040, 1991.

1990

Elia,E.A., Lotke,P.A., Ecker, M.L. Unicondylar Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Surgical Rounds fo:r Orthop. 4:17,1990.

1989

Ecker,M.L. and Lotke,P.A. Postoperative care of the total knee patient.  Ortho. Clin. of N. Amer. 20:55, 1989.

1988

Ecker,M.L., Betz, R.R., Trent,P.S., Mahboubi,S., Mesgarzadeh,M., Bonakdapour,A., Drummond,D.S., and Clancy,M. Computer Tomography Evaluation of Cotrel-Dubousset Instrumentation in Idiopathic Scoliosis.  Spine 13:1141, 1988

Lotke, P.A. and Ecker, M.L. Current Concepts Review.  Osteonecrosis of the Knee.  J. Bone and Joint Surg.  70-A: 470 - 473, 1988.

1987

Goll, S.R., Lotke, P.A., and Ecker, M.L.: in Rand, J.A. and Dorr,L.O. (eds)Failure of Continuous Passive Motion as Prophylaxis Against Deep Venous Thrombosis after Total Knee Arthroplasty.  Total Arthroplasty of the Knee.  Rockville, MD, Aspen, 1987, 299 - 305.

Ecker, M.L., Lotke, P.A., Windsor, R.E., and Cella,J.P. Long-Term Results after Total Condylar Knee Arthroplasty. Significance of Radiolucent Lines. Clin. Orthop.  216:151, 1987.

1986

Lotke, P.A., Wong, R.Y. and Ecker, M.L. Stress Fracture as a Cause of Chronic Pain Following Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.  Re-port of Two Cases. Clin. Orthop.  206:147, 1986.

1985

Nawoczenski, D.A., Owen, M.G., Ecker, M.L., Altman, B. and Epler, M. Objective Evaluation of Peroneal Response to Sudden Inversion Stress. J. of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1985.

Lotke, P.A. and Ecker, M.L. Osteonecrosis of the Knee.  Ortho. Clin. of N. America.  16:797-808, 1985.

Lotke, Paul A. and Ecker, M. L. Osteonecrosis of the Medial Tibial Plateau.  Cont. Orthopaedics,  10: No. 2, February 1985.

1984

Lotke P.A., Pfister D.G., Ecker M.L. Correspondence - Deep Venous Thrombosis.  New England J. Medicine 311: 1579, 1984.

Lotke, P.A., Ecker, M.L., Alavi, A., and Berkowitz, H. Indications for the Treatment of Deep Venous Thrombosis Following Total Knee Replacement.  J. Bone and Joint Surg.  66-A:202, 1984.

1983

Nacht, J.L., Ecker, M.L., Chung, Stanley, M.K., Lotke, P.A., and Das, Marianne. Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children Treated by Closed Reduction and Per-cutaneous Pinning.  Clin. Orthop. and Rel. Res.  177:203-209, July-August 1983.

Lotke, P.A. and Ecker, M.L. Osteonecrosis-Like Syndrome of the Medial Tibial Plateau. Clinical Orthop. and Rel. Res.  176:148, June 1983.

1982

Lotke,P.A., Ecker,M.L., Berkowitz,H., and Alavi,A.Deep Venous Thrombosis Following Total Knee Surgery: Is Treatment Indicated? Arthrit. and Rheumat.  25:9, 1982.

Ecker, M.L., Cramer, L.M. and Lotke, P.A. Salmonella Osteomyelitis of the Tibia Treated by a Muscle Pedicle and Delayed Bone Grafting  A Case Report.  Clinical Orthop. and Rel. Res.  170:226, 1982.

Lotke, P.A., Abend, J.A., Ecker, M.L. The Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Medial Femoral Condyle.  Clin. Orthop. and Rel. Res.  171, 109-116, Nov-Dec.1982.

1981

Lotke, P.A., Lefkoe, R.T., Ecker, M.L. Late Results Following Medial Meniscectomy in an Older Population.  J. Bone and Joint Surg.  63-A:115, Jan. 1981.

Lotke, P.A., Ecker, M.L.Transverse Fractures of the Patella.  Clin. Orthop. and Rel. Res.  158:180-184, July-Aug. 1981.

1979

Gregg, J.R., Labosky, D., Harty, M., Lotke, P., Ecker, M.L., diStefano, V., Das, M. Serratus Anterior Paralysis in the Young Athlete.  J. Bone and Joint Surg.  61-A:825-832, Sept. 1979.

Ecker, M.L., Lotke, P.A., Glazer, R.M. Late Reconstruction of the Patellar Tendon.   J. Bone and Joint Surg.  61-A:884,  886, Sept. 1979.

1977

Lotke, P.A., Ecker, M.L. Influence of Positioning of Prosthesis in Total Knee Replacement.  J. Bone and Joint Surg.  59-A:77, Jan. 1977.

Lotke, P.A., Ecker, M.L., Alavi, A. J. Painful Knees in Older Patients.  Radionuclide Diagnosis of Possible Osteonecrosis with Spontaneous Resolution.  Bone and Joint Surg.        59-A:617, 1977.

1976

Lotke, P.A., Ecker, M.L., McCloskey, J.R., Steinberg, M.E. Early Experience with Total Knee Arthroplasty.  J. Amer. Med. Assoc.  236:2403, 1976.

1975

Ecker, M.L., Joyce, J.J., Kohl.,E.J. The Treatment of Trochanteric Fractures Using a Compression Screw.   J. Bone and Joint Surg.  59-A:23, 1975.

1973

Price, R.I.M., Ecker, M.L. Z-Plasty Skin Closure after Lengthening the Achilles Tendon.  Plastic Reconstruction Surg.  52:309, Sept.1973.

1972

Ranawat, C.S., Ecker, M.L., Straub, L.R. Synovectomy and Debridement of the Knee in Rheumatoid Arthritis.  (A Study of 60 Knees).  Arthritis Rheumatism  15:571, Nov-Dec 1972.

1970

Ecker, M.L., Jacobs, B.S.Lower Extremity Amputations in Diabetic Patients.  Diabetes  19:189, March 1970.

1967

Ritter, M.A., Jacobs, B.S., Ecker, M.L., Pavel, A. Varix Involving the Tibia.  J. Bone and Joint Surg.  49-A:741, June 1967.

Ecker, M.L., Ritter, M.A., Jacobs, B.S. The Symptomatic Os Trigonum.  J. Amer. Med. As-soc.  201:882, Sept. 11, 1967.

1966

Ecker, M.L. Soft-Tissue Osteochondroma of Hand. N.Y. State J. Med.  66:3065, Dec.1966.

Books

2013

Chapter 4, “Adult Degenerative Scoliosis” Lotke, P.A. and Ecker, M.L. in Lippincott’s Primary Care Orthopedics, Second Edition edited by Lotke, P.A., Abboud, J.A., and Ende, E. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Philadelphia, PA 2013.

Editorials, Reviews, Chapters

2001

Ecker, ML. Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the distal femur. In: Sims FH, editor. Instructional course lectures. Vol. 50. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 2001.

Lotke PA, Ecker ML, Lonner J. Spontaneous osteonecrosis. In: Insall JN, Scott WN, editors. Surgery of the knee. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone; 2001.

2000

Ecker, ML. Back pain. In: Drummond DS, editor. Spine: state of the art reviews. Strategies in the pediatric spine. Vol. 14. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus, Inc; Jan 2000. p 233-48.

1999

Ecker ML. Arthrodesis: techniques and results. In: Lotke PA, Garino JP, editors. Revision total knee arthroplasty. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott-Raven Publishers; 1999.

1993

Lotke PA, Ecker ML. Deep venous thrombosis after total knee surgery. In: Rand JA, editor. Total knee arthroplasty. New York: Raven Press Ltd; 1993.
Ecker ML, Lotke PA. Wound healing complications. In: Rand JA. editor. Total knee arthroplasty. New York: Haven Press;1993.  

1992

Ecker ML. Treatment of the infected total knee replacement. In: Lotke PA, editor. Postoperative infections in orthopedic surgery: prevention and treatment. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Monograph Series; 1992.  

1988

Ecker ML. Arthritis surgery sections on spine, ankle, foot, And soft tissue. In: Katz WA, editor. Diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: J.B. Lippincott; 1988.  

1987

Goll SR, Lotke PA, Ecker ML. Failure of continuous passive motion as prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty. In: Rand JA, Dorr LO, editors. Total arthroplasty of the knee. Aspen: Rockville, MD; 1987: p 299 - 305.

Goll, SR, Lotke PA, Ecker ML. Failure of continuous passive motion as prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty. In: Rand JA, Dorr LD, editors. Total arthroplasty of the knee, Proceedings of the Knee Society, 1985-1986. Rockville, Maryland: Aspen Publishers; 1987.  

1985

Ecker ML. Surgery - introduction and surgery of the ankle and foot. In: Utsinger PZ, Zvaifler NJ, Ehrlich GE, editors. Rheumatoid arthritis. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott;1985.

1979

Ecker ML. Orthopedic problems in pediatrics. In: Orthopedics for the primary care physician, a self-instructional program by the Office for Continuing Medical Education of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; 1979.

Patient experience rating

(based on 135 submissions)

  • Clear Explanation
    4.6 of 5
  • Showed Concern
    4.6 of 5
  • Included in decisions
    4.7 of 5
  • Would recommend
    4.5 of 5
  • Discussion of Proposed Treatment
    4.6 of 5
Learn about the patient experience rating system

Comments

  • Dr. Ecker and the nurses were great, they listened to our concerns, gave us answers we needed and were kind and patient with my son.

    5 of 5
    Jun 17, 2024
  • Great bedside manner!

    5 of 5
    Nov 10, 2023
  • From start to finish it was the best medical experience we have ever had. Would not hesitate to recommend.

    5 of 5
    Aug 26, 2023
  • Excellent doctor! He Took time to explain everything to us and I never felt rushed. He was great with our daughter too.

    5 of 5
    Aug 07, 2023
  • I wish this doctor could be his primary care doctor! He was so kind to my son. He showered concern, answered all of my questions, and made my son laugh throughout the appointment. The nurse assisting him was kind and helpful too. Dynamic duo!

    5 of 5
    Jul 22, 2023
  • Dr. Malcolm Ecker was super nice and funny both my son and I loved him. As a parent I love the fact that he was older and experienced. He knew what he was talking about and was very skilled. I enjoyed the visit with him so did my son. He said he was very funny too. He explain everything and understood my concerns. He wasn't afraid to touch my son, he didn't show signs of racism towards us because we were black. And I enjoy and feel better and able to ask questions when I am treated like a person. I lock this Doctor and I hope he stays with you for a long time.

    5 of 5
    Jun 27, 2023
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About the Patient Experience Rating System

The Patient Experience Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown above from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score. We are committed to true transparency. However, to ensure the comments are fair and correctly attributed, we review each one before posting to the website. We exclude entire comments that disclose patient’s protected health information, are off-topic, or include other confidential or inappropriate content. Comments will appear on provider bios only if providers have a minimum number of comments. Comments are shared internally for education purposes to ensure that we are doing our very best for the patients and families for whom we are privileged to care. The comments are submitted by patients and families and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

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