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Orthopedics

Makyla’s mom, Myisha, was told during a routine ultrasound that her daughter would be born with a rare and complex condition known as Chondrodysplasia punctata and Conradi-Hunermann. This genetic disorder affects bone and cartilage development, leading to a variety of physical and medical issues. As Makyla grew, her spine began to curve more and more, making it difficult for her to walk long distances without struggling to breathe. “Her spine’s curvature also put pressure on her organs, making it hard for them to function properly,” says Myisha. In 2018, after years of seeking the best possible care, Myisha received a recommendation from another health organization to bring Makyla to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. Nemours Children’s, known for its expertise in treating complex pediatric cases, was the ray of hope they had been searching for. The hospital’s multidisciplinary approach and specialized care offered a new path forward for Makyla. Walking through […]

At Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, families like Ali’s find comprehensive care for scoliosis. Her family’s story is one of resilience and hope, and their experience provides valuable insights for other kids and parents facing similar challenges. Ali’s Experience with Scoliosis Ali was diagnosed with scoliosis during a visit to her primary care office. Scoliosis is a condition where the vertebrae form a curved line instead of being straight, which can cause health problems. Her growth chart stalled and then reversed, prompting X-rays. After a bad experience at another facility, the family turned to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware for a second opinion where they found a warm and welcoming environment. There, Dr. Suken Shah directly engaged with Ali, understanding her experience and exploring treatment options. Ali tried bracing and underwent an intensive physical therapy plan; however, her spinal curve continued to progress. At her second visit, Dr. Shah recommended she move […]

13-year-old Sam has been a patient at Nemours Children’s Health for much of his life. Born with a rare, unbalanced translocation, a chromosomal condition that affects many parts of the body, he lives with global developmental delays and several chronic health concerns. Throughout his life, Sam and his family have worked closely with a wide range of Nemours Children’s specialists. “We have been seeing Nemours specialists since Sam was itty bitty,” shares his mother, Audrey. “Over the years, he has been under the care of orthopedics, audiology, cardiology, pulmonology, surgical services, the gastrointestinal department, nutritionists, and neurology. We have seen quite a lot of the hospital and a lot of the doctors over the years.” Among the many medical challenges Sam faced was scoliosis, a condition in which the vertebrae form a curved line instead of being straight. “Sam was born with a group of congenital birth defects including some […]

Sometimes it’s the unexpected turns that lead us to the discovery of strength. For 15-year-old Mercy, a student at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, her world was turned upside down during a routine volleyball practice. A simple jump over a track hurdle during conditioning ended in a devastating ACL and meniscus tear, stripping away her identity as an athlete and leaving her with more questions than answers. With a family history of positive experiences at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, Mercy’s mom knew exactly where to turn. Her older brothers had received exceptional care at the hospital, and she had no doubt that Mercy would receive the same level of expertise and compassion. The hospital’s reputation for excellence in pediatric care, combined with its role as the Official Sports Medicine Providers for The Bolles School, made it the ideal choice for Mercy’s care. Upon arriving at Nemours Children’s, Mercy and […]

For Sis, the first inklings of back pain began in 6th grade, during her dance classes. “I had constant pain in my lower back and my legs,” she recalls. “It was like a dull ache that never went away, and it only got worse when I was dancing.” She continued to compete, pushing through the pain with determination. However, the pain wasn’t just limited to her dance studio. It began to affect every aspect of her life. “I had to stand in some classes in school because sitting for long periods made the pain unbearable,” Sis explains. “I also had trouble sleeping at night because of the pain. I was still dancing competitively, and that was a struggle because of the pain. I also babysit a lot, and it was sometimes a struggle to handle young kids when my back was really hurting.” As 7th grade approached, the pain intensified, […]

With over 13 years of dedicated service, Orthopedic Clinical Supervisor, Dan Biggers has not only honed his skills but has also become a cherished part of the Nemours Children’s family. His journey began in the U.S. Navy, where a chance encounter with an orthopedic clinic sparked a lifelong passion. While serving, Dan found himself escorting a sailor from his ship to an orthopedic clinic due to a fractured leg. As he watched the ortho techs at work, Dan was captivated by their expertise and the intricate processes they employed. Their combination of precision, skill, and the ability to help others in a tangible way resonated deeply with him. Today, Dan’s role at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida is multifaceted, blending the art of medicine with personal connection. “Since my start over 13 years ago, I have been impressed by the genuine personalities and overall kindness of the staff at Nemours,” he […]