Article Category: Highlights

Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics Provides Advanced Scoliosis Care for Children

Published on August 27, 2024

Last updated 12:57 PM August 27, 2024

Illustration of doctor showing imaging of spine to parent and child

Scoliosis, or curving of the spine, has been around for centuries. Over time, treatments have improved to offer patients more options to maintain motion and recover smoothly. The compassionate experts at Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics use cutting-edge technology to provide scoliosis care tailored to your child.

Fusion, which involves bone grafting and limiting motion through segments to control spinal deformity, used to be a popular treatment method. However, these treatments could lead to stiffness and postoperative pain concerns.

“As care has evolved, clinicians have begun to focus on alternative methods that help patients maintain motion and flexibility,” said Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Timothy Oswald.

Over the last two decades, an immense amount of research and innovation has led to the development of new procedures to preserve motion, called fusionless scoliosis treatments. Currently the two most popular and well-studied treatments are anterior vertebral tethering and posterior distraction technologies.

Vertebral body tethering

Vertebral body tethering is an improvement upon previous treatment and allows for the potential of improved correction. However, the procedure has also now been associated with a high incidence of tether breakage and progression.

In this procedure, the surgeon attaches metal anchors to the side of the spine that is curved. A flexible cord is connected to these anchors, and as the child grows, the tether slows the growth on the curved side, helping the spine grow straighter.

Currently there are very limited indications and a very specific time frame when tethers have been found to be successful for improving curves in the growing child. But as with any new technology, the next generation of innovation is encouraging: The tethers have become stronger and indications clearer. Wellstar currently offers this treatment but with very strict inclusion criteria so that we can have the best outcomes for our patients.

Posterior distraction technologies

Another new option is posterior distraction based fusionless technologies. The surgeon implants a rod with flexible joints that help the patient maintain normal spine motion.This procedure has shown an 85% success rate within two years with controlling the curve of the spine, but there are still concerns of instrumentation failure and progression. Wellstar also offers this surgery and has had good success in the appropriate patient population.

If your child has advanced scoliosis, Wellstar offers multiple care options, and our team is experienced in treating this condition in children. Our specialty surgeons each have over 20 years of experience treating pediatric spinal deformities. To find a surgeon near you, visit wellstar.org/pedsortho.

Kick off the season with a sports physical

Schedule your child’s sports physical before game day arrives. Their care team will check their heart, lungs and overall health so they can feel their best on and off the field.

“Sports physicals are important to screen for any underlying conditions that might put your child at increased risk versus some of their peers,” said Dr. Eric Berg, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia medical director of pediatric surgical services. “It's one of the easiest ways to catch potential issues before kids hit the field. A little preparation now can help prevent injuries later.”

Schedule a sports physical with your child’s pediatrician. You can also visit Wellstar Urgent Care, which takes walk-ins and offers online scheduling.

Take time for rest and hydration

For optimal performance in sports, young athletes need to fuel their bodies—and take breaks when needed.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 Children’s of Georgia pediatric orthopedic surgeon. “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.”

Read the nutritional guidelines.

Children also need to incorporate rest into their routine so they don’t overtrain. Kids often enjoy playing with family and friends, and they may not realize they need to take a break, according to Dr. Natalie Witte, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia sports medicine physician.

“They may be more sore than they are normally and not recovering,” Dr. Witte said. “If they’re not hungry after training, they might be so depleted that they’re nauseous or dizzy.”

If your child isn’t feeling well, your family’s pediatrician or sports medicine specialist can evaluate them for injury or illness so they can get back to their favorite activities sooner.

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Highlights

Aging Gracefully: Knowing When It’s Time for a Joint Replacement

For many of us, the golden years are a time to look forward to—an opportunity to travel, spend time in the garden, play with grandchildren or finally perfect our golf swing. However, chronic joint pain can quickly turn these anticipated moments into daily struggles. When a stiff hip makes getting out of the car an ordeal or a throbbing knee turns a simple walk around the neighborhood into a painful chore, it significantly impacts your quality of life.

It’s a common misconception that severe joint pain is an inevitable part of getting older that must be endured. While wear-and-tear on our bodies is natural, living in constant discomfort is not. Fortunately, modern orthopedic advancements offer powerful solutions, including total hip and knee replacements, to help you reclaim your mobility and independence. But how do you know when it is time to move past temporary fixes and consider a joint replacement?

Recognizing the warning signs

In the early stages of joint degradation—often caused by osteoarthritis—minor lifestyle adjustments, over-the-counter pain relievers or occasional ice packs might keep the discomfort at bay. However, as the cartilage that cushions your joints wears away, the bone-on-bone friction can worsen.

It may be time to consult an orthopedic specialist if you experience any of the following:

Severe pain during everyday activities: If walking, bending down or climbing stairs causes significant distress, your joint health is actively limiting your daily life.
Pain that disrupts your sleep: Waking up in the night due to a throbbing hip or knee is a strong indicator that the inflammation has become severe.
Rest and medication no longer offer relief: If physical therapy, cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications are no longer moving the needle, the joint may be structurally compromised.
A noticeable loss of mobility or chronic stiffness: Finding it difficult to put on your shoes, cross your legs or fully straighten your knee suggests advanced joint deterioration.

Modern approach to care

Deciding to undergo a joint replacement is a significant milestone, but it is important to know that the procedure has evolved dramatically over the last decade. Today, hip and knee replacements are among the most reliable and successful surgeries performed in medicine.

Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, specialized instrumentation and personalized digital planning, modern joint replacements are highly precise. Surgeons can precisely match the implant to your unique anatomy. For patients, this translates to less tissue disruption, reduced post-operative pain and a much smoother rehabilitation process.

The philosophy surrounding recovery has also shifted. We no longer expect patients to spend weeks confined to a hospital bed. In fact, most patients are up and walking with the assistance of physical therapy the very same day as their surgery. Many joint replacements are now performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes.

Reclaiming your active lifestyle

The ultimate goal of a hip or knee replacement is not just to alleviate pain, but to restore your freedom. Within a few months of dedicated physical therapy, the vast majority of patients find themselves doing things they haven’t been able to do comfortably in years. Whether that means returning to low-impact sports, traveling without worrying about the walk through the airport or simply playing on the floor with family, the transformation can be profound.

If chronic knee or hip pain is forcing you to sit on the sidelines of your own life, remember that you have options. Surgery is rarely the first step, but when conservative treatments fall short, a joint replacement can be the key to turning back the clock on your mobility.

You don't have to manage severe pain alone. Take the first step by speaking with an orthopedic specialist to evaluate your joints, discuss your goals and design a personalized treatment plan that helps you age gracefully, actively and on your own terms.

Find an orthopedic surgeon in your community.

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Orthopedic healthcare provider examines his patient's leg and knee

Highlights

Surgery, Physical Therapy or Injection? An Orthopedic Evaluation Helps Make the Call

A throbbing knee, a painful hand or an aching back are a few common musculoskeletal issues that make sufferers wonder: “Do I need surgery, physical therapy or a steroid shot?”

The answer isn’t always simple according to Dr. Joseph Burns, Wellstar chief musculoskeletal officer.

Many patients assume that the source of their pain is in the area where they feel it, and they may diagnose themselves or choose to “wait and see” what happens.

However, pain is a warning sign, not a GPS.

How do I know it’s time to see an orthopedist?

Your first stop for joint pain may be your primary care provider or an urgent care center. They may suggest rest, using ice or heat, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. They may also refer you to an orthopedic specialist.

It’s wise to see an orthopedic specialist when:

Rest or initial treatment isn’t lessening the pain
You feel numbness, tingling or weakness
You’ve been injured at work, in an accident or while playing a sport
Your ability to move is limited
You had a previous injury in the affected area
Pain has lasted more than a few weeks or is interfering with sleep

What to expect at an orthopedic exam

An orthopedic exam starts with a medical history, including medications, past surgeries and any health conditions. Your provider will then zero in on what’s causing your pain, asking questions such as:

When did the pain start?
Were you injured?
What activities make the pain worse?
What have you been doing to relieve the pain?

Next your provider will do a physical exam, checking for pain, tenderness, strength and range of motion, and may refer you for an imaging test, such as an X-ray or MRI. This helps determine whether the pain is from structural damage, such as a break or sprain, or from a condition like arthritis, bursitis or tendonitis.

With a diagnosis in hand, your provider will discuss a treatment plan with you. Sometimes patients assume a visit to an orthopedist will put them on the fast track to the operating room. Not so, said Dr. Burns.

Most orthopedic care starts with nonsurgical options, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory treatments and injections. Physical therapy can improve strength, flexibility and joint function, and in many cases, it can relieve pain without the need for surgical intervention. Surgery is a possible next step if those therapies fail or there is structural damage.

The risks of treating joint pain without an orthopedic evaluation

According to Dr. Burns it’s best not to put off getting an orthopedic evaluation and possibly second opinions. Misdiagnosis or starting the wrong treatment can delay healing and make underlying conditions worse.

Some patients who do their own research find a variety of options not supported by medical evidence. Those include cannabis-based (CBD) creams and stem cell treatments.

CBD can provide “a nice, moderate amount of relief,” said Dr. Burns. “Unfortunately, what we’ve seen is that those products help at first, but then less and less.”

Stem cells are in a class of biological treatments that are not FDA-approved for any orthopedic condition, such as arthritis or tendon injury. Treatments that are marketed as “stem cell therapy” typically use concentrated bone marrow aspirate, which contains very few true stem cells. Patients should ask their care team about stem cell therapies so that they can be properly educated and protect themselves before purchasing these expensive therapies.

Start with expert orthopedic care at Wellstar

Our orthopedic specialists deliver evidence-based care and personalized treatment plans. Wellstar patients have access to:

To make an appointment, find a location near you.

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