Orthopedics Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Nemours Blog

ARTICLES RELATED TO:
Orthopedics

PATIENT STORIES

Scoliosis Awareness Month: Riley’s Story

When Riley’s father noticed a slight curvature in her spine, they decided to have it checked by a doctor. They headed to Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville where Dr. Neal diagnosed Riley with scoliosis in the summer of 2015. Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a sideways curvature is found in the spine, causing issues such as back problems and discomfort. When Riley was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 12, her spine curvature was about 25 degrees. Riley went through periods of wearing braces to try and correct the curvature. Unfortunately, the braces weren’t producing the results she had hoped. As she got older, the curvature continued to worsen to about 50 degrees. When she was 14, Riley decided to stop treatment and wait for spinal fusion surgery until she felt ready. By age 18, Riley’s pain grew stronger, and she decided it might be time for the surgery. Riley […]

PATIENT STORIES

Scoliosis Awareness Month: Smith’s Story

Scoliosis is a condition that affects the curvature of the spine and can be a challenging diagnosis for anyone to receive. For the Downing family, this diagnosis became a reality when their son, Smith, was only 15 months old. When Smith’s mother noticed asymmetry with Smith’s back, the Downing family sought out medical advice. After completing an MRI scan, the results confirmed that Smith had idiopathic infantile scoliosis with a 56-degree S-curve.   Smith’s scoliosis was also progressing. The Downings were concerned that if it were to continue at a high rate, Smith’s Smith’s scoliosis was also progressing. The Downing’s, who knew little about scoliosis at a toddler’s age, began to research as much as possible. They reached out to several doctors and hospitals but found little comfort in the limited options for correction. Most options presented to them by physicians included surgery with high complication rates, until they met Dr. […]

PATIENT STORIES

Scoliosis Awareness Month: Willie’s Story

At three years old, Willie was diagnosed with infantile idiopathic scoliosis, a condition that caused a curvature in his spine. Willie’s journey began when his mother, Breana, took him to see several specialists because he wasn’t hitting developmental milestones on time. Willie started walking and crawling later than other children his age. He also began to experience chest pain and shortness of breath. At first, Willie’s specialists thought he might have cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. It wasn’t until they went to Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville that he was diagnosed with scoliosis. Willie underwent a rigorous treatment plan that included wearing a halo and using traction to stretch his large curve before surgery, a rare process reserved for special cases. He also had many occupational and physical therapy sessions. With the help of Dr. Kevin Neal, Willie is in complete recovery at 10 years old. It was a tough […]

FEATURED POST

From Dr. Shrader to Dr. Straighter

From using a walker to taking unassisted steps, Mari has come a long way on her journey with cerebral palsy, proving that having a condition does not define who she is or what she can accomplish.

PATIENT STORIES

Living With Morquio A – Zane’s Story

At 7 months old, Zane Brooks was diagnosed with Morquio A, a genetic condition that causes an enzyme deficiency with bone, heart, vision, and hearing problems. After his older brother (age 2.5 at the time) was diagnosed with Morquio A, Zane underwent genetic testing where he found out he did as well. “As soon as we heard that Morquio may be the diagnosis, we researched online and quickly came to the conclusion that Nemours was the best place for treatment,” said Zane’s mother Kimberlee. “Between blood work and official diagnosis, we watched many medical presentations on YouTube from Dr. Mary Theroux and Dr. Will Mackenzie and knew Nemours was the safest place for our boys.” The day of Zane’s diagnosis, the Brooks reached out to Dr. Theroux and Colleen Ditro. “Within 24 hours we had kind, knowledgeable emails in response,” said Kimberlee. “I remember talking with Colleen days after diagnosis as she walked […]

FEATURED POST

Music to My Ears: Atharv’s OI Journey

Atharv was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), whose journey of resilience and determination has been made possible with the help of multidisciplinary care team at Nemours Children’s Hospital.

PATIENT STORIES

OI Awareness Week: MJ’s Story

Before he was even born, MJ Strickland was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type IV Severe (OI), a disease causing symptoms such as easily broken bones. Growing up with OI, MJ hasn’t always had the best experiences with doctors, nurses, etc. When he saw them, MJ was usually scared and in pain. When the Stricklands were trying to find quality orthopedic care for MJ with someone that is experienced with OI, they found Dr. Stall at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. When MJ began working with Dr. Stall and his team, everything changed. “MJ has a special place in his heart for his Nemours team,” say the Stricklands. “Obviously, Dr. Stall is his bestest buddy. I’ve never seen him be so chummy with any of his medical team like he is with him. You can tell that all of MJ’s caregivers at Nemours have a genuine interest and concern for him. They […]

FEATURED POST

Thriving Through-OI- Aaron’s Story

Aaron, an 11-year-old boy with Bruck Syndrome, a type of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, underwent a major leg surgery and completed a three-month rehabilitation process.

FEATURED POST

Meet Dr. Mihir Thacker and Dr. Deepika Thacker

In celebration of Doctors’ Day, we want to highlight the incredible work of two doctors who not only share a passion for the care of children, but also a deep love for each other. Dr. Mihir Thacker and Dr. Deepika Thacker first met while attending Seth Gordhandas Sunderas Medical College in Mumbai, India. “Mihir was 2 years my senior and had a very serious air about him,” says Dr. Deepika Thacker. “He was very focused and always studying. As I got to know him better, I discovered that he had a very fun side as well and a wicked sense of humor! We were friends before we started dating, and to this date, we remain friends in addition to being married. We love playing board games with the family, taking trips and trying new foods together!” Deepika recalls, when they began dating as teenagers, “He would take me out to […]

PATIENT STORIES

Nothing If Not Resilient – Kate’s Story

During her senior season of high school wresting, Kate felt something was off. When Kate’s right shoulder dislocated from her socket during a wrestling practice, pain started to occur. Kate dismissed it at first but soon, this pain became persistent during every practice and started to impact her everyday life.  Her shoulder constantly dislocated while out on the mat and it held her back from taking good shots against opponents. Kate continued to persist through the pain until she could no longer reach for something or close a car door without discomfort. “When I walked through the halls at school, I felt my shoulder being separated from the socket. It felt loose – that’s the only way I can describe it. It is a scary feeling when you know that your arm is not properly attached to your body, let alone wrestling with it,” says Kate. This injury had a […]

Page 3 of 5

Page 3 of 5

Page 3 of 5