Jadyn enjoys hip-hop and break dancing.
I’ve been an orthopedic surgeon at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin for a long time. Our Orthopedics team is a very dedicated group, and we make every effort to make each patient comfortable, from kids with broken bones to patients who need complex surgeries.
Jadyn, age 13, is a great example of one of these complex cases. She had quickly progressing scoliosis, and her curve was too large for a brace. We had to prepare …Continue reading →
Welcome to 2013! If your kids participate in sports this year, you should know that Wisconsin’s concussion law requires all youth athletic organizations, from recreational leagues to clubs or school sports, to educate coaches, athletes and parents about concussions. Everyone should be aware of the signs and effects of concussion, because …Continue reading →
Many families are preparing for school and fall sports. As part of these preparations, you might be arranging physicals for your kids. During the exam, your child’s doctor may tell you he or she has signs of scoliosis.
I’m an orthotist, and for the last 17 years, I’ve worked with patients at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. An orthotist is a person who makes braces for most any part of the body, including back braces for kids with scoliosis. But I don’t do teeth, I leave that to the orthodontists!
Scoliosis usually is diagnosed when a child is between the ages of 10 and 15, and most …Continue reading →
It was nearly three years ago, but I still remember the day. Our pediatrician’s nurse called to tell me that Mary, my oldest daughter, had scoliosis. I remember feeling scared and very emotional. I actually was in tears at one point. It was hard to imagine what the future might hold.
Fast forward to 2012, and I realize that call was the beginning of a rollercoaster ride. Now I really don’t like rollercoasters, but thanks to the specialists at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the ride actually has been OK. As a family, we’ve learned to handle the ups …Continue reading →
My name is Mary, and I have scoliosis. I was diagnosed with it a few years ago. I wear my brace during the day now, but I used to wear one at night. Wearing a brace has affected my life in many ways, but don’t worry. You can still be the same you even with scoliosis.
I’m 14 years old and a freshman at Hampshire High School, in Hampshire, Ill. Let me tell you a little about myself. I love to read, and I love cats. I have one cat named C.C., and she is the cutest thing ever!
During this past school year, I got a daytime brace. Don’t be afraid to tell your teachers and …Continue reading →
It’s already been a tough spring for the Brewers, with two players lost for the season to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Knee injuries are just as frustrating for young athletes. One of the first things my patients often say to me is, “When can I play again?”
The ACL is the ligament that helps keep the knee stable. It’s one of the four main ligaments in the knee joint that connect it to the shin bone, known as the tibia, and thigh bone …Continue reading →
Our warm weather is bringing everyone out of hibernation. Kids in our neighborhood are riding bikes and scooters, and it’s great to hear the squeak of our neighbors’ trampolines again. But warmer weather also brings injuries, and that often means broken bones.
It’s important to understand that broken bones are like real estate. It’s all about location, location, location. As an orthopedic surgeon, I always try to reassure parents. Care and …Continue reading →
Have you heard? Youth concussion legislation passed in the state Legislature yesterday and soon will be signed into law. It will go a long way to protect all kids in Wisconsin.
As a pediatric sports medicine and concussion specialist, every day I see young athletes whose concussions have caused significant problems. Without a doubt, we know that …Continue reading →
As a pediatric sports medicine and concussion specialist, I say it nearly every day. Many of you have heard me talk about young athletes and concussion, and this week I had another great opportunity to get the word out.
With every interview or presentation I do, I know one more coach, parent or athlete learns that concussion is a brain injury and needs to be taken seriously.
Here are the most important things to remember if you even suspect a young athlete may …Continue reading →
While caring for patients in the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Concussion Clinic, I often notice that parents and young athletes don’t realize that a concussion affects injured athletes in all phases of life, not just athletics. While progress has been made in concussion awareness and recognition on the athletic field (although there’s still room for improvement), concussion awareness has …Continue reading this post