HSS Prosthetics & Orthotics Service

Chrysta Irolla was first introduced to the field of orthotics and prosthetics while pursuing her bioengineering degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Through UPenns global biomedical service program, Chrysta got her first hands on experience providing devices for pediatric patients with CP and adult patients with transtibial amputations. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Engineering Design and Innovation from Northwestern University and her Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics from The Georgia Institute of Technology.

Chrysta did her residencies at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago and at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She is Certified as a Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics, Inc (ABC).

Chrysta was a clinician at UCSF for over 12 years and during that time served as a clinical manager of their pediatric division, the departmental research chair, and residency mentor. While at UCSF, Chrysta become a pediatric specialist and cultivated her clinical expertise seeing a high concentration of patients with; cerebral palsy, clubfoot, scoliosis, spina bifida and pectus carinatum. Outside of clinic, her interest in running led her to participate in a specialty clinic instructing runners on appropriate orthotic and shoe selection.

Chrysta joined the Hospital for Special Surgery to become the Director of Prosthetics and Orthotics, bringing her expertise to help guide and grow the department. Her responsibilities include clinical oversight and direction of HSS contracted Prosthetics and Orthotic providers, and services provided at HSS regional offices.

Chrysta has a strong interest in clinical research and is currently involved with several projects and considered to be a subject matter expert in orthotic management for pectus carinatum.

Chrystas’ experience makes her uniquely qualified to work with patients with cerebral palsy, scoliosis, pectus carinatum, clubfoot, spina bifida, orthopaedic injuries, running injuries and complex limb reconstruction.