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.

Ortho-On-Demand

Sports injuries, broken bones and sprains don’t have to interfere with your schedule—Wellstar Ortho-on-Demand at 1220 West Wheeler Parkway in Augusta has you covered with convenient care when you need it. Our expert team provides prompt treatment for people ages 8 and older for musculoskeletal injuries, including:

Immediate orthopedics specialty care
X-rays to assess fractures and breaks
Bone, joint or muscle injuries
Ankle sprains or strains
Knee sprains or strains
Hand, elbow, wrist or shoulder injuries
Broken bones without an open wound
Splinting, casting and bracing by specialty clinicians
New back pain

We welcome walk-ins and offer same-day appointments for fast, efficient care. Learn more about Ortho-On-Demand.

Urgent Care

If you’re dealing with a minor injury or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care Centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions.

We also offer Virtual Urgent Care, which provides virtual health visits for minor medical concerns from the comfort and convenience of home.

Wellstar Urgent Care provides:

Care for minor injuries, such as sprains and broken bones
Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts
Lab and X-rays
Sports physicals
Occupational health services
Worker’s compensation services

Wellstar Urgent Care has locations in Evans, Grovetown and South Augusta, or you can use our Virtual Urgent Care.

Emergency Care

In a life-threatening medical emergency, every second counts. Never put off getting the proper care when lives are on the line. Remember, driving yourself to the Emergency Department (ED) may delay care, so call 911 for the fastest access to emergency care.

When the unexpected happens, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center’s Emergency Department is always ready. Our trained team provides expert emergency care 24 hours a day for people of all ages. At Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, the dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department team is specially trained in treating children.

Recognize the signs of a medical emergency:

Fainting or loss of consciousness
Sudden, severe pain
Uncontrolled or severe bleeding
Choking, coughing up blood or severe vomiting
Changes in mental status, such as confusion or unusual behavior
Traumatic injury due to a motor vehicle or other accidents
Broken bones with an open wound

Remember, call 911 right away in a medical emergency. That way, care can begin sooner during the crucial time it takes to be transported to the hospital.

Some conditions, such as sports concussions or gout, may be best treated by a primary care or orthopedics clinician. Our Ortho-On-Demand team can refer you to other Wellstar locations if needed.

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Highlights

Injuries Aren't Convenient. But Wellstar Ortho-On-Demand Is.

Sports injuries, broken bones and sprains don’t have to interfere with your schedule. Wellstar Ortho-On-Demand in Augusta has you covered with convenient care when you need it.

Our expert team provides prompt treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, including:

Bone, joint or muscle injuries
Ankle sprains or strains
Knee sprains or strains
Hand, elbow, wrist or shoulder injuries
Broken bones without an open wound
New back pain

Injuries love bad timing. We don’t. When inconvenient injuries happen, we’re here for you. We welcome walk-ins and offer same-day appointments for fast, efficient care.

Ortho-On-Demand treats patients ages 8 and older, providing tailored orthopedic solutions for children, teens and adults. You don’t need a referral for quick, expert care from our orthopedic specialists. You’ll get the care you need right when you need it—without the waits at the emergency department.

“If you're seen in the emergency department, you'll speak with a clinician, get an X-ray and then be told to follow up with your orthopedic provider,” said Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Monte Hunter. “When you come to Ortho-On-Demand, you're seen by a musculoskeletal specialist, and you're immediately part of the Wellstar orthopedic family. You will receive prompt specialized treatment to accelerate your care and recovery.”

If you need follow-up care from another specialist such as a hand surgeon or imaging like a CT scan or MRI, clinicians at other Wellstar locations will be able to access your visit information from Ortho-On-Demand using Wellstar MyChart. With this seamless transition of care, you can continue treatment with Wellstar’s extensive network of specialists and locations to more easily get the care you need.

Ortho-On-Demand's afternoon and evening hours are convenient for the “40-hour-a-week athlete," according to Dr. Hunter—those who balance full-time jobs with staying active and may need care outside the hours of other medical offices. During the fall, extended hours on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM are available.

“If you sprain your ankle at a church league softball game or fall around the house, you don’t have to go to the emergency department to be assessed. You can have immediate access to orthopedic professionals, get a quick orthopedic evaluation and X-ray, and be treated by professionals—all at one site,” Dr. Hunter said.

You can count on Ortho-On-Demand for your kids too. We treat everyone age 8 and older, so if your child falls on the playground or hurts themselves on the ball field, our team will provide compassionate, expert care to help them heal.

Learn more at wellstar.org/orthoondemand.

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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 professional. 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.

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