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Article Category: Highlights

Comfortably Treating Scoliosis with 3D-Printed Braces

Published on September 15, 2023

Last updated 12:26 PM September 15, 2023

Illustration of person wearing brace

Did you know that Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics offers innovative bracing options if your child has scoliosis? One of those options is 3D-printed braces, which are tailored to the patient’s body shape, size and spine curvature. 

To make the custom braces, a 3D scan is made in the provider’s office, then the brace is 3D printed. The advantage of 3D printing is that due to the architectural design multiple reliefs in the brace can be made, which allows for more comfort, durability and correction.

“We have had excellent outcomes with patient compliance in curve correction using 3D bracing and are monitoring long-term results,” Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Timothy Oswald said. “We have made so much progress as a whole as to how we treat scoliosis.”

Bracing for scoliosis has been around for hundreds of years, starting with an iron brace introduced by Andre Pare in the 1700s. In the 1950s, bracing became more popular for treatment of scoliosis with the introduction of the Milwaukee brace, which includes a neck ring with rests for the chin and the back of the head. Unfortunately, the results were poor, with continued progression of the curve and significant effect on the psychosocial development of the teenager. Currently, the only retrospective evidence-based braces available are the Boston brace and nighttime bending brace. These are rigid braces that are mapped according to X-ray parameters for scoliosis correction.

Using a 3D-printed brace is more comfortable for patients because they are lighter than traditional ones and offer more personalized care, with the brace customized for each patient. Since the braces feel less cumbersome, patients are more likely to wear them regularly—leading to better results in treating the spine curvature. 

The 3D-mapping technology provided by Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics can also be applied to bracing of the arms and legs. The goal is to offer more nonsurgical options and support the psychosocial development of every teenager.

To learn more or make an appointment with Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics, visit wellstar.org/pedsortho. 

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Timothy Stephen Oswald Bone and Joint Care
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Illustration of children playing sports surrounded by fruits and vegetables, water bottle

Highlights

Fueling Up for Sports this School Year

Wellstar knows that the beginning of the school year is often accompanied by getting back to extracurricular activities. With the return to the classroom and competition arenas, we know parents, coaches and teachers alike are concerned that their student athletes are fueling their bodies and brains for optimal performance.  

Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics recommends getting the correct amount of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, iron, calcium and vitamin D, as well as fluids. Dietary supplements are not needed for youth athletes unless recommended by a healthcare provider. It is more important to meet the body’s caloric needs.

For hydration, it’s recommended that student athletes consume up to 20 ounces of fluid one hour before an activity and 5 ounces every 15 minutes during the activity.

“Proper nutrition and hydration are critical for all students, but particularly for athletes who are more active and burning more calories,” said Dr. Lindsay Stephenson, Wellstar pediatric orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. “I recommend using the nutritional guide released by the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. This information makes it easier for students and their parents to understand the nutritional needs of the body to perform in the classroom and during competition.”

Access the recommended nutritional guide.

To learn more or make an appointment with Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics, visit wellstar.org/pedsortho.

Keep reading
Illustration of provider treating child with clubfoot

Highlights

Compassionate Care for Clubfoot Tailored to Your Child

When an injury or health condition affects your child’s quality of life or keeps them from doing what they love, your family can rely on Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics to provide compassionate, comprehensive care. As your child grows, so do their bones and joints, and they need specialized expertise—whether they’ve broken a bone on the playground or have a congenital condition present at birth.

One in 1,000 babies is born with clubfoot, a condition in which one or both feet are turned inward and downward. If your child is affected by clubfoot, our pediatric orthopedic specialists provide expert care for this condition—supporting your child at every step of treatment.

The pediatric orthopedic team at Wellstar understands that medical procedures can be stressful for both young children and their families. Your child’s care team will personalize treatment to their individual needs, and they can answer any questions you have about clubfoot or managing the condition.

Care for clubfoot usually begins when the child is a few weeks old, with the goal of correcting the foot position before they learn to walk—minimizing the impact of the condition on the child’s long-term mobility. 

“We use the Ponseti method, a nonsurgical approach that uses a series of casts and then bracing to gradually reposition the foot,” said Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Michael Priola.

With this method, most patients wear a series of casts on their foot for about seven weeks, and the cast is switched out weekly in order to correct multiple deformities at once. Following casting, about 90% of patients require a minor procedure that releases the Achilles tendon, allowing further correction. A final cast is then worn for an additional three weeks. Once corrected, a brace is used to maintain the alignment. The brace is typically worn for two to four years to prevent the condition from returning.

“This method boasts a high success rate and avoids the need for extensive surgery,” Dr. Priola said. “However, in more severe cases or if the Ponseti method fails, more extensive surgical intervention may be considered.”

With timely and appropriate treatment, children born with clubfoot can experience significant improvement, leading to a bright future that is not limited by the condition.

To book an appointment with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, visit wellstar.org/pedsortho or call (404) 321-9900.

Keep reading
Illustration of two physicians with Wellstar and Top Doctors logos

Newsroom

Wellstar Physicians Named as “Top Doctors” in Atlanta Magazine’s 2021 List

Wellstar Health System has announced that Atlanta magazine recognized 79 Wellstar physicians on its 2021 "Top Doctors" list in the July issue. This list is compiled annually from nominations by physicians whom they consider to be among the top experts in their region for their medical specialty. The number of Wellstar doctors named to the distinguished list increased 14% from 2020 to 2021.

"As a community-based, non-profit health system, Wellstar physicians are focused on providing high-quality patient-centered care to everyone who comes through our doors," said Dr. John Brennan, executive vice president and chief clinical integration officer of Wellstar Health System. "Wellstar is extremely proud of the doctors recognized by this prestigious list published annually by Atlanta magazine, as well as all of our team members, who are committed to delivering outstanding care to every person, every time."

Atlanta magazine's "Top Doctors" list is compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a leading healthcare research and information company founded to help consumers reach America's top doctors and hospitals. Physicians are nominated by their peers and selected after a rigorous screening process that reviews professional, educational, and patient care excellence. The final list with detailed information about the doctors’ education, training, and medical expertise is included in Atlanta magazine's July 2021 issue. Below is the complete list of Wellstar physicians who were honored on the 2021 list.

Atlanta Magazine cover

1. John Vickery, Allergy & Immunology
2. Grace Chiang, Allergy & Immunology
3. Narendra Kanuru, Cardiac Electrophysiology
4. Jacob Blatt, Cardiac Electrophysiology
5. Anand Kenia, Cardiac Electrophysiology
6. Mohammad Kooshkabadi, Cardiac Electrophysiology
7. Bryan Piedad, Cardiac Electrophysiology
8. Michael Riley, Cardiac Electrophysiology
9. Ayushi Ahuja, Cardiovascular Disease
10. Bruce Alayof, Cardiovascular Disease
11. Mindy Gentry, Cardiovascular Disease
12. Barry Mangel, Cardiovascular Disease
13. Janice Warner, Dermatology
14. Jennifer Jones, Dermatology
15. George Dobo, Dermatology
16. Jodi Ganz, Dermatology
17. Michael Collins, Diagnostic Radiology
18. Jean Molinary, Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
19. Israel Orija, Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
20. Rolf Meinhold, Family Medicine
21. George Brown, Family Medicine
22. Thomas Gearhard, Family Medicine
23. Sachin Goel, Gastroenterology
24. Jeffrey Hines, Gynecologic Oncology
25. Mark McBride, Hand Surgery
26. Edward Holliger, Hand Surgery
27. Joel Isom, Internal Medicine
28. Ebon Bourne, Internal Medicine
29. Amber Driskell, Internal Medicine
30. Chukwuma Onyeije, Maternal & Fetal Medicine
31. Daniel Eller, Maternal & Fetal Medicine
32. Jay Cinnamon, Neuroradiology
33. Angela Hudson, Obstetrics & Gynecology
34. Carlos Alarcon, Obstetrics & Gynecology
35. Elizabeth Taghechian, Obstetrics & Gynecology
36. Mary Chappell, Obstetrics & Gynecology
37. Kimberly Huffman, Obstetrics & Gynecology
38. Terry Kelley, Obstetrics & Gynecology
39. Colleen Killian, Obstetrics & Gynecology
40. Natalie Needham, Obstetrics & Gynecology
41. Elizabeth Street, Obstetrics & Gynecology
42. Jerry Berland, Ophthalmology
43. Mark Berman, Ophthalmology
44. Monica Bratton, Ophthalmology
45. Charles Ho, Ophthalmology
46. Denise Johnson, Ophthalmology
47. Robert Titelman, Orthopedic Surgery
48. Erroll Bailey, Orthopedic Surgery
49. Stephanie Martin, Orthopedic Surgery
50. Tapan Daftari, Orthopedic Surgery
51. Robert Kelly, Orthopedic Surgery
52. Douglas Lundy, Orthopedic Surgery
53. Raymond Schettino, Otolaryngology
54. Roy Schottenfeld, Otolaryngology
55. David Parks, Otolaryngology
56. David Gale, Pain Medicine
57. Larry Clements, Pediatrics
58. Christian Williams, Pediatrics
59. Richard King, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
60. M Keith Hanna, Plastic Surgery
61. K. Keith Jeffords, Plastic Surgery
62. William Dowdell, Pulmonary Disease
63. Russell French, Pulmonary Disease
64. Jody Hughes, Pulmonary Disease
65. Eduardo Molinary, Pulmonary Disease
66. Keith Rott, Rheumatology
67. Kelly Weselman, Rheumatology
68. Chris Andersen, Surgery
69. Philip Ramsay, Surgery
70. Richard Myung, Thoracic & Cardiac Surgery
71. Theolyn Price, Thoracic & Cardiac Surgery
72. Kevin Windom, Urogynecology/Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery
73. Scott Miller, Urology
74. Murphy Townsend, Urology
75. Thomas Murphy, Vascular & Interventional Radiology
76. Alan Zuckerman, Vascular & Interventional Radiology
77. Arun Chervu, Vascular Surgery
78. Shariq Sayeed, Vascular Surgery
79. Steven Oweida, Vascular Surgery
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