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18th Annual Spine Symposium

18th Annual Spine Symposium

by | Sep 26, 2024

We are honored to host Dr Michael Kelly as our visiting professor for the 18th Annual Spine Symposium.

Biography
Michael Kelly, M.D., is the director of scoliosis and spinal deformities in the Division of Orthopedics & Scoliosis at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego.

Prior to joining Rady Children’s, Dr. Kelly was an associate professor of orthopedic and neurological surgery, director of the fellowship in adult and pediatric spine surgery, and director of spine research at Washington University in St. Louis. He has conducted extensive research focused on improving the quality of care, including surgical treatment, in patients with spinal conditions and deformities through both clinical and translational projects. He also has extensive experience in managing the most complex of adult and pediatric spinal deformities. He is a member of the International Spine Study Group (adult), the Harms Study Group (pediatrics), and the AO Spinal Deformity Knowledge Forum. He serves on the board of directors for Scoliosis Research Society.

Before helping patients with spinal conditions, Dr. Kelly received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at UC San Francisco. He later completed two spine fellowships, including the complex spinal deformity fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. He has over 150 peer-reviewed publications focused on patients with spinal conditions, and improving outcomes for pediatric and adult spine surgical treatment.

Diagnosis to Dedication: How Aaliyah’s Scoliosis Journey Inspires Change

Diagnosis to Dedication: How Aaliyah’s Scoliosis Journey Inspires Change

by | Aug 14, 2024 | Scoliosis & Spine

18-year-old Aaliyah, of Kress, is transforming her personal journey with scoliosis into a source of inspiration for young girls with similar diagnoses. “Scottish Rite means so much to me by helping me find my passion in changing lives,” Aaliyah says. She shares her transformative care she received, hoping to make a scoliosis diagnosis less intimidating to patients.

Aaliyah was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS) after her routine physical at age 9. Her family faced a difficult decision: undergo spinal fusion surgery or risk losing Aaliyah’s ability to walk. Determined to find another way, Aaliyah chose to wear a spinal brace for 22 hours a day over a span of seven years. In 2021, Aaliyah’s back pain progressed, and she started treatment with pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jaysson T. Brooks. “After that visit, Dr. Brooks changed my life,” Aaliyah says. Instead of recommending surgery, Brooks suggested physical therapy as the best approach for her.

The treatment Aaliyah received at Scottish Rite fueled her passion for scoliosis awareness. Before she met Brooks, she was a member of the nonprofit organization Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FFCLA). FCCLA offers programs, contests, scholarships and opportunities for member to develop skills needed for college and careers. Aaliyah’s experience inspired her project titled “The Journey.” This project explores her personal journey with scoliosis and the impact it had on her and her family’s lives. “The Journey” eventually placed in 5th place at FFCLA’s National Leadership Conference. Top of Form

Now, she is a prominent spokesperson for scoliosis in her community. In 2022, Aaliyah launched a scoliosis research fundraiser titled “The Outreach” for Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to empowering families impacted by scoliosis through education, connection and research. Her efforts caught the attention of mayor Johnny Taylor, who honored her dedication by declaring December 20th as both National Scoliosis Awareness Day and Aaliyah Wallace Day in her hometown.

There is no limit to the success Aaliyah will achieve! Her latest project, “My Testimony,” is a book series featuring characters LeeLee, inspired by Aaliyah, and Lillian as they embark on their journey of overcoming scoliosis. To launch the series, she organized a block party in Kress, with all proceeds going to funding the publication and illustration of the books. “I went from a scared 9-year-old to making a difference and changing lives with my story,” Aaliyah says. “I can’t thank Scottish Rite enough for changing my life!” Now, Aaliyah is attending her first year at Texas Tech University as a Pre-Medicine major. She was a recipient of our Legacy Scholarship, and we cannot be prouder of her!

Share Your Story: Lifelong Commitment to Care

Share Your Story: Lifelong Commitment to Care

by | Aug 5, 2024 | Scoliosis & Spine

13-year-old Lyla and her mom Ashley have more in common than they originally thought. Ashley was diagnosed with scoliosis in 2000 after her mom noticed a spinal curve while she tried on clothes. A chiropractor referred her to Scottish Rite for Children to begin treatment. It was the attentive care and support from chief of staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S. and her child life specialist that influenced Ashley’s pursuit for a degree in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of North Texas.

In 2020, Lyla embarked on her own scoliosis journey with Scottish Rite at age 9. With a mother’s eyes, Ashley first noticed Lyla’s shoulder blades were uneven. They visited their primary care physician, who referred them to Scottish Rite. Lyla’s scoliosis was juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, known as the most common type of scoliosis.
The uncertainty of Lyla’s diagnosis disappeared when Ashley and her husband Chad discovered that Sucato would be treating their daughter. “My heart sank because I knew what it meant to have scoliosis,” Ashley says. “However, Dr. Sucato has the kind of heart needed to serve and advance orthopedic care for children.” Lyla’s scoliosis was treated mostly with a back brace for two years. She underwent spinal fusion surgery in 2023 and is now free from back pain!

Research proves that scoliosis has a genetic component and tends to run in families. Children with a family history of scoliosis, like Lyla, are more at risk. This is predominately seen in girls that range from ages 10 to 15.

Ashley and Lyla’s bond is stronger than ever. Lyla is like her mom in many ways, outside of sharing a diagnosis of scoliosis. They are both passionate about helping others, and Lyla is set on going to college to become a child life specialist at Scottish Rite. “Scottish Rite helps children improve their quality of life,” Ashley says. “Most importantly, Scottish Rite creates life-long memories and shows us how we are supposed to love and help others.” Lyla is incredibly active now and enjoys many hobbies like acting, reading, dancing, singing, being with her friends and serving at church! Lyla and Ashley’s diagnosis and care mirror each other, reflecting the need for the accessible expert care Scottish Rite provides.

Standing Tall After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Standing Tall After Spinal Fusion Surgery

by | Jun 27, 2024 | Scoliosis & Spine

Previously published in Rite Up, 2024 – Issue 2.

In January of 2023, Delilah, a 12-year-old from San Antonio, was helping her mother, Angie, clean the house. As Delilah bent over to pick up something off the floor, Angie noticed that her backbone protruded from her back at an abnormal angle. “It caught me off guard,” Angie says. She called her husband into the room and asked Delilah to repeat the movement. He looked at Angie with wide eyes and said, “What was that?”

Delilah’s pediatrician suspected scoliosis and referred the family to an orthopedic physician.

“After taking an X-ray, he gave us the news that her spine was at an 84 degree angle,” Angie says. “Delilah and I had tears in our eyes.” Angie explained that because of the curves magnitude, the physician said that he would feel more comfortable recommending them to Scottish Rite for Children. “We had never heard of Scottish Rite, but it was the best advice and decision we ever made,” Angie says.

At Scottish Rite, pediatric orthopedic surgeon Megan E Johnson, M.D., diagnosed Delilah with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, of which there is no known cause. Because her curve had surpassed the surgical magnitude of 50 degrees, Dr. Johnson recommended posterior spinal fusion, a surgery in which a rod is secured to the vertebrae to straighten the spine and hold the correction of the curve in place.

“Scoliosis progresses more rapidly when kids are undergoing their big growth spurt,” Dr. Johnson says.

“Delilah still had a lot of growth left, so she was at a greater risk of progression.”

Before surgery, Delilah asked thoughtful questions and expressed some worries. “I had a fear of like, what if I wake up during surgery?” she says. “And, what if it doesn’t turn out right, or what if they miss something?” Dr. Johnson marveled at Delilah’s maturity. “For being 11 at the time, Delilah asked great questions, advocated for herself and did her own research,” she says.

In October, the family traveled to Dallas for Delilah’s surgery and stayed at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, Scottish Rite’s community partner. “They took such good care of my family,” Angie says. “I’m very grateful for that.” After a successful surgery, Delilah’s curve was corrected from 95 to 20 degrees. She also got two inches taller. “Delilah exceeded our expectations,” Dr. Johnson says. “She has been a champ through it all.” Six months later, Angie cannot believe that Delilah had spinal surgery. “It boggles the mind because she’s back to being herself,” she says. “For us, Scottish Rite means hope, that everything is going to be OK.” Delilah agrees. “You can trust Scottish Rite,” she says, “and know that you are in great hands.”

Read the full issue.

Scoliosis Awareness Month: Wearing Your Scoliosis Brace

Scoliosis Awareness Month: Wearing Your Scoliosis Brace

by | Jun 21, 2024 | Scoliosis & Spine

At Scottish Rite for Children, our spine experts care for the common to the complex of scoliosis curves. The type of treatment required for the condition depends on the child, when they were diagnosed and the severity of the curve.

One treatment option for scoliosis is bracing. At Scottish Rite, our in-house Orthotics department creates custom braces – making sure it fits the child just right. Here are a few basics to know about the scoliosis brace:

  • The purpose of a brace is to help stop the curve from getting worse with a goal of preventing the patient from needing surgery.
  • Although it does not cure the condition, if used on a curve that ranges from 25 to 40 degrees and the child is still growing, it can be extremely effective.
  • Your doctor will determine the number of hours the brace should be worn throughout the day.
  • If the brace is uncomfortable, our team works with the patient to make adjustments as needed throughout treatment.

Different Types of Braces:

  • TLSO (thoracolumbosacral orthosis) – used for curves located in the mid to lower part of the back
  • Providence Brace– also known as the nighttime brace, used for curves that are less severe.

Being Active While Wearing Your Brace:

  • Our team encourages a child who must wear a brace to continue with their sport and/or activity.
  • Bracing for this condition is only temporary, and although adjustments might need to be made to make the brace more comfortable, etc., it is created to fit the child so they can continue being active.

Taking Care of Your Skin
The brace pushes firmly on your body and will cause redness of your skin. Over time the skin in the pressure areas may become darkened and tougher. These changes are temporary and may improve brace comfort. If you develop a sore, your brace needs adjustment.

Clothing Suggestions

  • We recommend you wear a form fitting tank top under the brace. It is more comfortable when there is something between you and the brace.
  • Loose-fitting clothing will hide the brace better than form-fitting clothing.
  • Bras without underwire may be more comfortable.
  • To make using the bathroom easier while wearing the brace, wear your underwear over the brace.

Taking Care of the Brace
To help prevent skin irritation, the inside of the brace must be cleaned at least once a week, or more often as needed. Use a cloth to wipe the brace clean using soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

Learn more about scoliosis bracing.