Perry & Jon Schoenecker: Wisdom, innovation & the hip

Today’s episode is a real privilege. I had the chance to sit down with Perry and Jon Schoenecker, a father and son who represent two distinct but complementary approaches to orthopedics. Perry is a giant in clinical orthopedics, with decades of work shaping how we think about hip dysplasia, hip preservation, and surgical decision-making. Jon, meanwhile, brings a different perspective, grounded in basic science and biomechanics, with a focus on the biology of bone and cartilage and how those insights can drive the future of our field.In this conversation, we talked about how each of them found their way into orthopedics and what drew them to the hip in particular. We revisited the evolution of hip dysplasia care, what has been learned across generations, and what still challenges us today. We explored Legg–Calvé–Perthes, not just from a clinical standpoint but also through the lens of biology and healing mechanisms.We also discussed biomechanics, the role of cartilage in joint preservation, and how an understanding of basic science can inform and sometimes challenge established surgical approaches. Together, Perry’s wisdom from decades of clinical experience and Jon’s innovative, science-driven lens make for a fascinating dialogue about where the field has been and where it’s going.Finally, we looked ahead to the future of orthopedics, what the next generation of surgeons and scientists should focus on, and how we can balance tried-and-true clinical experience with the possibilities offered by new discoveries in biology and technology.It was a rich, wide-ranging discussion that blended experience and innovation in a way that few conversations can; for me it was a truly special experience and I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I did recording.