ARTICLES RELATED TO:
Orthopedics

Walking into June’s routine wellness checkup, I expected the usual and we received a reassuring, positive report that told us our daughter was thriving. Before the appointment ended, I shared one remaining concern my husband had asked me to mention: that one of June’s legs appeared slightly shorter than the other. The doctor reexamined June on the table, extended her legs, and noted the difference. She immediately wrote a referral for an X-ray and recommended we have it done right away. We went directly next door for imaging, and later that same day the pediatrician called to confirm that the X-ray showed Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). June was a happy, thriving baby who met her milestones and appeared unaffected in her day-to-day activities. Because there were no obvious limitations, the diagnosis was a complete shock to us. We learned about Nemours Children’s the same day we received June’s […]

At just 3 years old, Dylan received a diagnosis that would change his life. With a dedicated family who refused to settle when it came to their son’s care, they were led to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware where they finally found the answers and understanding they needed. From the time he was just 6 months old, Dylan had been receiving physical and occupational therapy through early intervention services with a local care team. However, as Dylan approached his third birthday, a significant hurdle loomed on the horizon. Without a formal diagnosis, he was at risk of losing these vital services. Brandi, Dylan’s mom, recalls the frustration and anxiety of those early years. “We weren’t having any luck with our original care team to get a diagnosis. Our PT recommended Nemours Children’s, she had other parents that had gone there and were very happy.” The family decided to take the therapist’s […]

When Sarah’s parents first learned about their unborn daughter’s diagnosis, they faced a future filled with unknowns. Sarah was diagnosed with arthrogryposis while still in utero, marking the beginning of a journey that would require extraordinary medical expertise. “Upon learning that our unborn child would have a physical disability, we began trying to plan for the unknown,” shares Sarah’s mom, Kerstin. “We soon realized that the unknowns would continue, and we had to embrace each one as they came.” Finding the Right Team As Sarah grew, so did the challenges. “Life changed and we sought out the best for Sarah,” Kerstin explains. “She had difficulty eating, difficulty moving her limbs, and was not meeting the developmental milestones. As she grew and became more complex, we realized we needed a more comprehensive team of doctors.” At an arthrogryposis conference, the family met orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Reid Nichols and physical therapist Reenee […]

At 20 weeks into her pregnancy, Valerie, Alena’s mom, received concerning news during a routine ultrasound: the long bones in Alena’s body weren’t measuring as they should. This unexpected finding led to a series of discussions with medical professionals. Two months after Alena’s birth, the diagnosis of Femoral Hypoplasia with Unusual Facies Syndrome (FHUFS) was confirmed. This rare genetic disorder is characterized by underdeveloped femurs, growth restrictions, and distinctive facial features. Alena’s journey with this syndrome has been a complex one, involving a variety of adaptive tools and treatments. “I use a walker, wheelchair, crutches, leg braces, and have a lift in my left shoe,” Alena explains. In an effort to address her growing needs, Alena and her family sought out orthopedic expertise. Alena’s case was referred to Dr. Shawn Standard, a specialist in pediatric orthopedics, who was based in Baltimore at the time. “We started receiving treatment from Dr. […]

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 […]