Knowing no limits

In 2013 during swim team practice, Katie’s coach noticed her spine had a curvature that resembled an s-shape. The next day, her pediatrician diagnosed her with scoliosis. “We wanted Katie in the care of doctors who not only treat children, but also treat scoliosis all day, every day,” Katie’s mother said. “That’s why we brought our daughter to Shriners Hospitals for Children.”

Early detection gave Katie a wider range of options for the treatment of her scoliosis. The doctors at Shriners Hospitals opted for a non-surgical treatment for Katie. They fit her with a brace to help straighten her spine. Her core strength and daily stretching from swimming has helped manage and lower her double curves.

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Cured with Mehta casting

When Jackson was 4 months old, he was diagnosed with progressive infantile scoliosis. Doctors put him in a Mehta cast at 16 months of age, when his curve measured 50 degrees.

Over the next year and a half, subsequent casts were used to progressively straighten his spine. Nine Mehta casts later, Jackson’s spine was completely straight. Since then, Jackson has been brace-free and has maintained his straight spine for four years.

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Early detection and teamwork lead to success

When Elisa’s parents were told by the doctor at their family clinic that their daughter had scoliosis, they were left feeling worried and anxious. They were surprised by the diagnosis and unsure of how they were going to seek the care Elisa needed since English was not their native language. The doctors and staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children helped eliminate their fears.

Interpreters at the hospital were available every step of the way to facilitate communication between Elisa’s family and her medical team. Elisa’s scoliosis was diagnosed early so she would only need physical therapy to correct the curve in her spine. And, her family is able to participate in her treatment without the additional stress of a language barrier.

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