ARTICLES RELATED TO:
Orthopedics

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]