Orthopedics Archives - Page 3 of 7 - Nemours Blog

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Orthopedics

The Power of Community at Nemours Children’s Health

Laura, Jess, Ginny, and Jasmine are remarkable mothers whose paths crossed through their children’s diagnoses. Through shared experiences and care teams, this group of women have formed lasting friendships. Their children, Charlette, Noah, Gino, and Jeremiah, share the diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and receive compassionate care from the exceptional team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Under the guidance of dedicated clinicians such as Dr. Ricki Carroll, Dr. Jeanne Franzone, Tina McGreal, APRN, Licensed Genetic Counselor Andrea Schelhaas, Sarah Little, PA-C, Katie Harp, LCSW, and many more, these children are thriving in a nurturing environment full of hope. United by a common journey, Laura, Jess, Ginny, and Jasmine were introduced to each other via an online group for parents of children with OI. Through these Facebook groups dedicated to OI, they discovered a community where fears were conquered, victories celebrated, and wisdom exchanged. Laura recalls the moment when she first […]

Osteogenesis Imperfecta Awareness Week: Mackenzie’s Story

In the world of healthcare, finding a place that feels like home can be a challenge. For Amanda, mother of 4-year-old Mackenzie, that home is Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Mackenzie’s journey with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) began even before she took her first breath. At just 25 weeks, Amanda learned of her daughter’s diagnosis. “I went for a routine anatomy scan while pregnant. Significant bowing in Mackenzie’s legs and long limb measurements indicated that she would need more testing. I received an amnio and was sent to another hospital where she was diagnosed,” Amanda recalls. Transitioning Mackenzie’s care to Nemours Children’s was a pivotal moment for their family. They discovered the facility after finding recommendations on social media. “We are part of a group on Facebook for parents of children with OI,” says Amanda. “I was asking questions when Mackenzie broke her arm at 10 days old and someone recommended we […]

Compassionate Care: Cruz’s Story

“At the 20-week ultrasound, I learned about his skeletal dysplasia,” Brittany recalls. “And at the 33-week Vistara blood test, I learned about his OI diagnosis.” These moments marked the beginning of Cruz’s journey, but they also sparked Brittany’s search for the best care possible for her son. It was during her 35th week of pregnancy that Brittany discovered the Advanced Delivery Program (ADP) at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, thanks to a recommendation on the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Community Facebook page. “Their care, communication, and knowledge gave us extreme confidence in the ADP Team,” says Brittany. “They had a plan, relayed it to us, listened to our concerns, and had experience delivering OI babies.” The support Brittany received from the medical staff at Nemours Children’s during the delivery process was nothing short of extraordinary. “They showed compassion during every step,” Brittany emphasizes. “They helped keep me calm by talking about my 2-year-old […]

From Pitch to Progress: Jarnum’s Story

In the world of sports, injuries are often seen as setbacks, hurdles that athletes must overcome to get back to doing what they love. For Jarnum, a 15-year-old elite soccer player, a left knee lateral meniscus tear threatened to impact his game. Jarnum is the youngest player in a semi-professional USL2 academy league for Swan City Soccer Club in Lakeland. He holds the distinction of being the youngest player ever to score a goal in the USL2, helping his team secure their sole victory of the season. Unfortunately, it was during his time with this team that Jarnum sustained his injury. While engaged in a defensive play, he collided with another player, resulting in the tear to his left knee. Jarnum’s mother, Authrine, recalls the moment when their journey with Nemours began. “Dr. Julia Fink could tell that it was a meniscus tear right away,” she says. “But she wanted […]

Limb Loss & Limb Differences Awareness Month: Jaiden’s Story

Jaiden’s medical journey began with a diagnosis of Fibular Hemimelia during a routine anatomy scan at just 20 weeks into his mother, Megan’s, pregnancy. Little did they know, this diagnosis would lead them to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Upon learning about her son’s condition, Megan was very shocked. “It was unexpected, but we knew we had to do everything we could to give Jaiden the best chance at a fulfilling life,” she shares. “Though Jaiden always got around fine, if he didn’t have surgery, his legs would be drastically uneven and would not be able to walk.” Their journey with Nemours Children’s began in 2012 when Megan sought a second opinion on Jaiden’s condition. “A family friend suggested Nemours, and from the moment we walked through the doors, we knew we were in good hands,” Megan reflects. Dr. L. Reid Nichols, a renowned pediatric orthopedic surgeon, became an integral part […]

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month: Cara’s Story

Cara’s story started when she was very young, and her family sought medical help to understand why she fell often. After visits to various specialists, including optometrists, orthopedists, and neurologists, an MRI revealed a spinal cord tumor. Three days later, Cara underwent surgery, leaving her left leg without any feeling or ability to control movement. This led to several years of KFO braces, rehabilitation, emotional processing, and accidental injuries that posed diagnostic challenges due to the lack of sensation in her leg. Cara received a diagnosis of Charcot joint in her knee, after numerous bone infections, surgeries, and prolonged hospital stays. By the time Cara was entering the eighth grade, she decided she wanted her life to have more freedom from her diagnosis. Compiling her thoughts into a comprehensive letter, Cara presented her case for leg amputation to Elizabeth W. Snyder Endowed Chair in Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Dr. Jeanne Franzone, and […]

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month: Hudson’s Story

Hudson’s journey with cerebral palsy began at just 3 months old when he was diagnosed with polymicrogyria. His parents, determined to give him the best care possible, sought out specialized treatment. Their quest led them to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida where they found not just medical expertise, but a supportive community dedicated to Hudson’s well-being. Before Nemours Children’s, Hudson had already undergone care at various children’s hospitals in North Carolina and Colorado. However, it was when they were referred to Nemours that Hudson’s family found a comprehensive approach to his care, encompassing not just medical treatment but also emotional support and encouragement. “We love Nemours,” Hudson’s mom shares. “Every encounter we have with doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff has been exceptional. Dr. Malone is just outstanding! He is approachable, caring and kind. I felt that he is fully committed to benefit the kids he serves. He is also an […]

Doctors’ Day Spotlight: Sarah R. Gibson, MD

Nemours Children’s Health takes pride in spotlighting the remarkable individuals who go beyond their roles as physicians. Dr. Sarah R. Gibson, a Pediatric Sports Medicine Physician in the Department of Orthopedics at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida exemplifies this dedication not only through her expertise but also through her hobbies outside of medicine. Dr. Gibson’s journey to becoming a physician was shaped by a blend of passions and interests. “I always had an interest in medicine,” says Dr. Gibson, “Particularly human health and physiology, but I had a lot of other varied interests as well. I enjoyed playing sports and I also had an interest in sports journalism. Prior to medical school, I would spend my winters taking premed classes and my summers dabbling in sports journalism. I was on the Kentucky Derby staff, helping run the media center during Derby week, helping ABC Sports and NBC Sports with coverage of […]

Doctors’ Day Spotlight: Alvin W. Su, MD, PhD

Sports medicine and pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Alvin Su‘s journey to Nemours Children’s Health was paved with a passion for patient care. He was drawn to our hospital in Delaware and New Jersey by the collaborative spirit among the orthopedic team. “The orthopedic group at Nemours works as a team,” says Dr. Su. “We support each other very well. This is huge for patient care, and for long-term career development and physician wellness. We can take good care of our patients, and ourselves. Plus, Nemours is a true academic institution that supports scientific research, which is instrumental to future improvement of clinical care.” This effort from the orthopedics team allows surgeons like Dr. Su to prioritize what truly matters – doing the right thing for their patients. Outside his work at the hospital, Dr. Su pursues a variety of interests and hobbies. A dedicated martial artist with a black belt […]

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month: Eloise’s Story

Eloise, a dynamic and determined young girl, received a diagnosis of cerebral palsy just before her second birthday.  After Eloise celebrated her first birthday, her parents assumed she would start walking soon, but as each month passed by, despite their initial hopes and patience, Eloise had still not taken her first steps.  Her parents recall the pivotal moment when, at 18 months, Eloise was referred by her primary care physician for evaluations and specialized care. Their journey led them to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware where Eloise underwent a series of comprehensive evaluations, including MRI, EKG, and X-rays. While the test results appeared normal, Eloise was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy due to her muscle spasticity and gait difficulties.  Eloise’s family learned to their surprise that in a majority of cases, the specific cause of cerebral palsy is unknown.  Eloise took her first steps shortly before her 2nd birthday, albeit […]

Rare Disease Day: Madison’s Story

Madison’s dysplasia journey began even before she came into the world. During pregnancy, concerns arose as she was smaller than expected. However it was only after her birth, when she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, that the first signs of something more complex emerged. X-rays at four months old revealed trident acetabulum and an s-shaped scoliosis, so a skeletal dysplasia genetic testing panel followed, identifying changes in B3GALT6. Variants in this gene are associated with a rare skeletal dysplasia known as spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia joint laxity type 1 (SEMDJL1). This condition can cause issues like progressive scoliosis, joint laxity/dislocations, and more. When they found out about her diagnosis, Madi’s family faced uncertainties about what her future might look like. However, Madi’s fiery spirit has shone through. She charms everyone she meets with her sassy personality and infectious joy. Madison’s mom, Anna, emphasizes that her daughter has never allowed anything to hinder […]

National Women Physicians Day: Dr. Stephanie Pearce

In celebration of National Women Physicians Day, Nemours Children’s Health highlights Dr. Stephanie Pearce, the Director of Sports Medicine in Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville. Dr. Pearce’s decision to pursue a career in sports orthopedic surgery stemmed from her love for the musculoskeletal system, her enjoyment of working with her hands, and her passion for helping athletes achieve peak performance. For her, sports medicine combines these elements in a way that doesn’t feel like work – it’s a labor of love. Joining Nemours Children’s was a serendipitous journey for Dr. Pearce. Her good friend, Dr. Anna Rambo, informed her of the Director of Sports Medicine opening at Nemours. The opportunity to lead and grow a sports program, contribute to sports research, collaborate with close friends, and return to her home state of Florida made it an offer too good to resist. Working with her team […]

Page 3 of 7

Page 3 of 7

Page 3 of 7