Orthopedics Archives - Page 3 of 9 - Nemours Blog

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Orthopedics

Back in the Game: Zander’s Story

Zander, an aspiring college football player, first crossed paths with Nemours Children’s Health after suffering a game-related injury. As luck would have it, Dr. Julia Fink, Nemours’ orthopedic specialist, was the team doctor on the field. After the game, Dr. Fink brought him in for an X-ray and MRI, setting the course for his recovery. The injury turned out to be an acromioclavicular joint separation (AC joint separation), which worsened during the state football championship game. Zander’s team went on to win the game, but his shoulder pain lingered, especially with throwing, even after physical therapy. To resolve the issue, Dr. Fink performed an AC joint reconstruction. Following surgery, Zander was in a sling for six weeks and underwent three months of physical therapy. By May, he was able to start his throwing program, and by August, he was ready to kick off the football season, stronger than ever. From […]

A Journey with Scoliosis and Chiari Malformation: Carter’s Story

When he was 9 months old, Carter’s parents began to notice something unusual about their son’s posture. His torso seemed to be veering in a different direction while standing upright. Concerned, they sought answers from Carter’s pediatrician, who referred them to pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Suken Shah, Division Chief of the Nemours Spine and Scoliosis Center, and the Shands/MacEwen Endowed Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Here, Carter received a diagnosis of Early Onset Scoliosis and Chiari malformation. Scoliosis is a condition where the vertebrae in the spine form a curved line instead of being straight. Larger curves can lead to joint damage, arthritis, and pain, often requiring treatment such as back braces or surgery. Chiari malformation occurs when the cerebellum pushes downward through the foramen magnum, the opening at the base of the skull. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, balance issues, and numbness. Sometimes, […]

A New Little Man: Joshua’s Story

Joshua, now 6 years old, was diagnosed with SMA Type 1 while still in utero. This condition, characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy, led to neuromuscular scoliosis, which was first observed when he was about 11 months old. He currently receives treatment from Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. For the first few years of his life, Joshua’s condition was a constant battle. “Joshua wore a back brace for at least 4.5 years, 24/7, with breaks only for bathing,” recalls his grandmother, Claudia. The brace was necessary to manage his scoliosis, but it made sitting up uncomfortable and exacerbated respiratory issues common in children with SMA. “Every cold or flu he caught turned into a hospital stay and intubation on several occasions,” shares Claudia. “SMA can cause respiratory distress, but the fact that Joshua’s lungs were restricted from growth because of scoliosis made it so much worse.” A pivotal moment in Joshua’s […]

Coordinated Care: Micah’s Story

Micah’s journey began with some unexpected twists and turns, before he even entered this world. “Before Micah was born, we received the news that he might have Down syndrome through routine blood work during pregnancy,” shares his mother, Kaitlyn. “It was a whirlwind of emotions, but we leaned on the support and expertise of Nemours from the very beginning.” Kaitlyn’s family have been seeing providers at Nemours Children’s throughout the Delaware Valley ever since her firstborn arrived prematurely. Her GYN office recommended Nemours Children’s, and they found the care to be exceptional, so they continued with Micah’s treatment there. It was his team at Nemours that diagnosed Micah with Trisomy 21, commonly known as Down syndrome, along with clubfoot and a cardiac concern – coarctation of the aorta. Nemours became their beacon of hope, with a multidisciplinary team ready to address Micah’s complex needs. From the Trisomy 21 Clinic to […]

A Fulfilling Adventure: Julieta’s Story

When Julieta was just 1 month old, she was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1 (SMA Type 1). SMA is a rare genetic condition that causes muscle weakness and atrophy, significantly impacting Julieta’s ability to walk, sit up, and control her head movements. It also affected her ability to speak and eat. Julieta’s mother, Melissa, recalls the initial shock and heartbreak that accompanied the diagnosis: “After I got the call with her results, I was told by five neurologists that she was not going to make it past 1 year of age. Obviously, this put me in a sad and grieving mental state. We as a family were devastated.” Shortly after receiving her diagnosis, Julieta was referred to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida by a neurologist in Miami. “After I visited Nemours and felt finally safe and with big hopes for my daughter, I went back to Dr. Miller in […]

Capable of Anything: Riley’s Story

Riley’s diagnosis with cerebral palsy became apparent when her family noticed she wasn’t hitting the typical milestones. “I was not walking at 18 months old,” she recalls. “It was recommended that I have an evaluation by PT and OT specialists after seeing my pediatrician,” leading to her diagnosis of cerebral palsy shortly after. Prior to treatment at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Riley faced the challenges of cerebral palsy. “I had very big bunions on both feet, which made walking and running long distances very painful,” she shares. “I had a very limited range of motion due to my CP, that made running, walking, and swimming difficult on my muscles. I couldn’t wear a lot of shoes, like sandals and flats.” However, Riley’s life took a turn for the better when she discovered Nemours Children’s in Wilmington, Delaware through the recommendations of peers who had undergone similar journeys. “My family found […]

The Comeback: Maddy’s Story

For elite gymnast Maddy, the journey to greatness wasn’t without its hurdles. But with determination and the expert care at Nemours Children’s Health, Maddy is back on her feet, ready to conquer the mat once again. Maddy’s athletic career took an unexpected turn on January 25, 2023, during a routine practice session at Temple University. A gymnast on the collegiate team, she faced a setback that would challenge her both physically and mentally—a ruptured Achilles tendon. Before receiving treatment at Nemours Children’s, Maddy experienced the full weight of her injury. “I was unable to walk, move my foot in any direction, and do everyday activities like go to class,” she recalls. “I was also in an abundance of pain every day that led to many mental breakdowns.” Having received treatment from Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville for years growing up, she knew she would get exceptional care for her new injury. […]

Enjoying Each Moment: Alek’s Story

Alek is a courageous patient whose journey with severe kyphoscoliosis led him across the globe to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Kyphoscoliosis is a dangerous condition that affects the spine. It causes an abnormal curve in two directions, side to side and front to back. It is a combination of two other conditions: kyphosis, which causes a severely rounded appearance of the back, and scoliosis, where the vertebrae form a curvature instead of being straight. Alek’s diagnosis unfolded in Poland in 2010 when he was a young boy. The road ahead seemed daunting as his condition gradually worsened. “Before starting treatment at Nemours Children’s, Aleksander’s condition was very bad,” shares his family. “He had trouble with breathing and couldn’t eat and walk. He lived in chronic pain.” It wasn’t until after a failed operation in Poland that Alek’s family discovered Nemours Children’s. Referred by their physician in Poland, Alek and his […]

AMC Awareness Day: Sara & Ewa

On this Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) Awareness Day, we shine a spotlight on two remarkable women, Ewa and Sara, whose journeys with AMC have inspired countless individuals. Ewa’s journey with Nemours Children’s Health began in 1986 when she traveled from Poland to receive treatment for AMC, a rare condition affecting 1 in 3,000 births. Nemours became her second home, offering life-saving care and support from a dedicated team of doctors and therapists. “Nemours, along with my family, truly shaped me into the person I am today,” Ewa shares. Her gratitude for the care she received has fueled her commitment to give back through various fundraising initiatives, including Nemours Radiothon, Brace for the Race, and an annual toy drive. In her latest endeavor, Ewa organized a book fundraiser for another Arthrogryposis patient and author, Sara Gaver. For every book donated, Ewa matched the donation, resulting in a collection of 110 copies […]

Scoliosis Awareness Month: Esther’s Story

Esther’s journey with scoliosis began during a routine check-up in the summer of 2020. Her primary care physician discovered the curvature of her spine during a yearly visit, just as Esther was experiencing a growth spurt. Her provider quickly referred Esther to a specialist at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, where an X-ray confirmed the diagnosis. “I went to get X-rays and found out my spine was crooked,” Esther shares. “It was unexpected, but I’m grateful we caught it when we did.” Under the care of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Neal, Esther embarked on an 18 month journey, closely monitoring the progression of her curve, and exploring treatment options. In the beginning, Esther didn’t experience much pain. However, as the curvature of her spine progressed, approaching 60 degrees, the impact on her daily life became increasingly challenging. “Pain didn’t come until the curve progressed horribly over two years or so, and […]

Scoliosis Awareness Month: Kalani’s Story

Under the expert care of our dedicated team in Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, Kalani embarked on a path of treatment for juvenile idiopathic scoliosis and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) at 6 years old. Her journey began in July 2023 when her mother, Monica, noticed a slight curvature in Kalani’s back. Concerned, they sought answers from orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Lovejoy at Nemours Children’s. “An X-ray confirmed that her back had a curvature and an MRI was ordered out of caution to make sure there was not an underlying issue causing the curve,” shares Monica. “The MRI showed she had lesions/tumors believed to be caused by NF1. Following the MRI results, Dr. Lovejoy referred Kalani to oncology and genetics to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment. When we had a follow-up with Dr. Lovejoy at the end of October 2023, an X-ray showed the curve in Kalani’s spine had gotten worse […]

Work Hard, Rest Hard, Play Hard: Sparsh’s Story

At just 21 years old, Sparsh has already achieved what many only dream of, inspiring and touching the hearts of millions across the globe. Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a condition making his bones extremely fragile, Sparsh faces unique obstacles in his daily life. Unable to bear weight on his hands and legs, he navigates the world differently than other kids. It was Sparsh’s diagnosis of severe scoliosis at the age of 14 that led him to Nemours Children’s Health. During a routine checkup and X-Rays with his local orthopedic doctor, Dr. Thomas McPartland, the scoliosis was discovered. Conversations about spinal fusion surgery immediately began. “My scoliosis required me to rest often in my wheelchair or on my bed to relieve back pressure,” says Sparsh. “It severely affected my posture, which indirectly hampered the function of vital organs such as my lungs, which are important to my singing career!” Sparsh is […]

Page 3 of 9

Page 3 of 9

Page 3 of 9