Archive for orthopedics
Born with congenital scoliosis, Thelma looks to the future
Sixteen-year-old Thelma Alemnji probably enjoys student life more than most high school juniors. After all, up until last year, activities like drama club, debate club, and student government were out of reach. Born with severe congenital scoliosis and thoracic insufficiency syndrome, Thelma’s childhood and early adolescence were marked by regular hospital visits and frequent surgeries: ... Read More about Born with congenital scoliosis, Thelma looks to the future
In cases of pediatric cervical spine instability, two attending surgeons are better than one
Cervical spine instability (caused by congenital deformity, trauma, or a tumor) can affect children in a number of ways: from chronic headaches to bowel dysfunction to severe mobility limitations. In many cases, misaligned vertebrae compress the spinal cord and surrounding nerves, causing neurological issues, which, if left untreated, can lead to long-term disability. Common indications ... Read More about In cases of pediatric cervical spine instability, two attending surgeons are better than one
From injury to backflips: A path to recovery for gymnasts
Gymnasts can create the illusion that gravity doesn’t exist. As they spring from one acrobatic skill into the next, they leave spectators little time to consider the strain they’re putting on their wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Nonetheless, a single back handspring exerts force equal to two to four times an athlete’s weight on their upper ... Read More about From injury to backflips: A path to recovery for gymnasts
Questions to ask about your child’s orthopedic care
Maybe your child has an orthopedic injury and needs surgery, or maybe they need to be treated with a different method. Either way, asking questions can help you understand their doctor’s recommendations and how to prepare for whatever comes next. “Families often find themselves unprepared for their child’s mobility limitations as they heal from surgery ... Read More about Questions to ask about your child’s orthopedic care
Engineered cartilage could turn the tide for patients with osteoarthritis
About one in seven adults live with degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis (OA). In recent years, as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and other joint injuries have become more common among adolescent athletes, a growing number of 20- and 30-somethings have joined the ranks of aging baby boomers living with chronic OA pain. ... Read More about Engineered cartilage could turn the tide for patients with osteoarthritis
My story of bouncing back from osteochondritis dissecans
Injuries suck — no better way of putting it. The physical pain is terrible on its own, but emotionally they can hurt even more. The frustration that comes with something that is out of your control is like nothing else. It makes you realize how much you take your health for granted until you lose ... Read More about My story of bouncing back from osteochondritis dissecans
Predicting brace adherence could change the game in scoliosis treatment
When it comes to preventing scoliosis progression, is it possible to make bracing more effective? For decades, spine specialists focused on improving the braces themselves, making them lighter, less obtrusive, and easier to put on and take off. (The Boston Brace, developed at Boston Children’s Hospital in the early 1970s, is one example.) Key takeaways ... Read More about Predicting brace adherence could change the game in scoliosis treatment
Chloe navigates Marfan syndrome with a positive attitude — and a responsive care team
Chloe Burian has always defied expectations. Despite surgeries and other treatments for several conditions that stem from the genetic disorder Marfan syndrome, the 12-year-old remains upbeat. “Nothing bothers her,” says Chloe’s mom, Audrey. “She goes through life with a smile.” Still, there were moments of doubt along the way, especially when Audrey and her husband, Rudy, ... Read More about Chloe navigates Marfan syndrome with a positive attitude — and a responsive care team
Broken signals: Things you may not know about nerve injury
When Dr. Andrea Bauer talks about nerve injuries, she talks about phone cords. A damaged phone cord transmits staticky or broken sounds, or no sound at all. Similarly, peripheral nerve injuries (injuries that affect the arms, hands, legs, and feet) disrupt signals to and from the brain, causing numbness, loss of sensation, and lost function. ... Read More about Broken signals: Things you may not know about nerve injury
Does cannabis affect surgical outcomes? We need more data.
After alcohol, marijuana is the most commonly used recreational substance among U.S. adults and adolescents. Up to 22 million Americans 12 or older use cannabis. In a 2022 survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 0.7 percent of 8th graders, 2.1 percent of 10th graders, and 6.3 percent of 12th graders reported using marijuana ... Read More about Does cannabis affect surgical outcomes? We need more data.