Pediatric Musculoskeletal Ultrasound at Scottish Rite for Children

Pediatric Musculoskeletal Ultrasound at Scottish Rite for Children

by | Mar 24, 2023 | Uncategorized

Pediatric musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is a safe, effective, and painless approach to observing bones, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues in and around joints. At Scottish Rite for Children, ultrasound has been used for many years by our radiologists and ultrasound technologists when diagnosing infantile hip dysplasia and other conditions; however, the possibilities and indications to use ultrasound for other musculoskeletal conditions are increasing. This includes using it with young athletes to better visualize the structure and function of these different tissues.

Many soft tissue conditions and concerns on the surfaces of bones can be diagnosed with ultrasound. Because children have immature bones with areas of soft cartilage, they have unique conditions around the bones and joints that can also be evaluated with ultrasound. Additionally, providing treatments with needles, such as joint aspirations and injections, can be enhanced when ultrasound is available.

In two specific areas of our organization, ultrasound is used by providers at the bedside during an evaluation or procedure. This is called point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and is a way to combine the clinical history and exam with the findings of the ultrasound. For a provider to use this tool, extensive training and many hours of experience are necessary. Pediatric rheumatology nurse practitioner Heather Benham, D.N.P., APRN, CPNP-PC, and sports medicine physician Jacob C. Jones, M.D., RMSK, have met and exceeded those qualifications.

With their extensive experience, they are also equipped to teach others how to use this tool with a younger population. Many programs available are focused on the assessment of soft tissues in a population that is older. Benham and Jones worked together to create the Scottish Rite for Children Pediatric Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Fundamentals Course (PMSKUS). Along with course co-director Vivek Kalia, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., they hosted the inaugural event in November 2022. The next opportunity to take this one-day course will be in May 2023 at the Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center in Frisco.

Learn more.

Pediatric Neurology at Scottish Rite for Children

Pediatric Neurology at Scottish Rite for Children

by | Mar 22, 2023 | Neurology

As an institution dedicated to giving children back their childhood, our experts provide a full spectrum of care to make sure all aspects of a condition are treated. Whether common or complex, many of the orthopedic diagnoses seen by our team have other associated conditions which require treatment.

Experts from our Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine department see children who have various neurological disorders and neuromuscular diseases. Although each condition varies when it comes to its severity, every child seen by this team receives world-renowned care with the ultimate goal of helping them live a more independent life. Learn more about pediatric neurology below.

What is pediatric neurology? 
Pediatric neurology is the treatment of conditions that affect the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. This can include disorders such as migraines, epilepsy, developmental delay and neuromuscular conditions.

Meet the Experts
Michelle R. Christie, M.D.
Child and Adolescent Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist  
Christie sees all neurologic conditions with a focus on Charcot Marie Tooth, holoprosencephaly and hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Fabiola I. Reyes, M.D.
Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician
Reyes provides care to patients who have trouble with motor control.

Common Conditions Treated by the Team

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Epilepsy
  • Migraines
  • Developmental delay
  • Congenital birth defects of the nervous system
  • Genetic diseases of the nervous system
  • Neuromuscular disorders including myopathies, Charcot Marie tooth, brachial plexopathies and traumatic nerve injury
  • Tuberous sclerosis
  • Holoprosencephaly
  • Hereditary spastic paraplegia

Multidisciplinary Approach to Care
The Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine department includes staff from various areas of specialty. This helps to ensure that no matter what a child may need, we have an expert to provide the best treatment options for any aspect of the condition. Patients seen by our Neurology experts may also interact with advanced practice providers (APP), nurses, pediatric psychologists, recreational therapists, orthotics, and physical and occupational therapy.

Share Your Story: Jumping for Happiness

Share Your Story: Jumping for Happiness

by | Mar 6, 2023 | Scoliosis & Spine

Meet Mikayla, a patient who was seen by our team of scoliosis and spine experts. Learn more about her journey below.

Blog written by Mikayla.

When I was in the sixth grade, my mom noticed something weird on my back. She had my dad also look at what she was seeing, and he thought we needed to get a doctor to check this out. I went to my pediatrician, and he said it looked like I had a “mild” case of scoliosis. He then sent us to an orthopedic doctor, who took X-rays to look at my spine. As it turns out, I’m someone who hides their curve well.

My forward bend test did not show much of a visual deformity, but the X-rays really showed what was going on. I had an upper curve of 45 degrees and a lower curve of 50 degrees. This meant I would need to wear a brace for 20 hours a day, for several years. I was fitted for a scoliosis brace and started wearing it as soon as I could.

My parents decided to reach out to Scottish Rite for Children for a second opinion, and January 2017 was the first time I visited my new family at Scottish Rite. Everyone was nice and amazing. At our first visit with Dr. Richards, we explained my medical history leading up to that point, and the Orthotics department looked over my brace. As soon as the orthotist looked at my brace, he suggested that I have a new one made at Scottish Rite. The first step in that process was for me to have a new X-ray in the fancy EOS machine. We were told to go have these images taken, grab a bite to eat, and then we would hear from Orthotics. No sooner had we sat down with our food in the cafeteria, we were called back to the clinic. 

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Dr. Richards and a few other people were already in the clinic room, and I could tell something was wrong. He told me that my curve had progressed, and my measurements were at the point of needing surgery. At this point in time, I thought my life was over! All that was important to me was gymnastics. My first doctor told me that if I had surgery, I would not be able to participate in gymnastics. But this was not the case at Scottish Rite. Dr. Richards explained to me everything he would do to save the motion in my spine. He said that following surgery and recovery, I could still do gymnastics, but it might feel a little different. I had my spinal fusion surgery in February 2017 and that is when my new life started. 

Following my surgery, my stay in the hospital was nothing but amazing. All the nurses and doctors were excellent. Of course, the healing process was a long time, but I got right back to everything as soon as I could. Being out of school for six weeks was also pretty fun. 

I was so excited when I was able to go back to gymnastics. Dr. Richards was right, things did feel a little different, but I was able to do everything I could before. It was around that time that I decided to try some other sports and started to play volleyball and basketball and run track. As soon as I found track, I felt like I had found my happiness again! I competed in the 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles, long jump and the triple jump. I felt wonderful and was able to do it all. 

It was around that same time I had my one-year post-op appointment with Dr. Richards. I told him all about the track events I was participating in, and he was amazed at everything I was doing! It felt great to hear that I was medically cleared to continue jumping, throwing my body around, and I was able to keep doing what I loved. 

Prior to my surgery, I thought that athletics was something I would never get to experience. Now, I’m the record holder at my high school for the 100m hurdles, and I’ve found something that makes me happy!

I have committed to Tarleton State University and plan to compete on the Track & Field Team while studying accounting.

Scottish Rite allowed my dreams to come true. When I first learned about my scoliosis diagnosis, I thought gymnastics was gone, and I never even thought track was something I would do. With the treatment I received at Scottish Rite, I am now healthy and able to do everything other kids can do. My favorite activities are going to the gym or running at the track. I love to do crafts, crochet, read my Bible and I aspire to become a high school accounting teacher and coach track and field. See ya’ around on the track!

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? WE WANT TO HEAR IT! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US.

Five Signs Your Young Athlete May Be Underfueling

Five Signs Your Young Athlete May Be Underfueling

by | Mar 3, 2023 | Sports Medicine

What is underfueling?

When athletes do not eat enough calories (or the right calories) to support their growth and development and all of the training. This may occur periodically due to fluctuations in seasons or training schedules, it is particularly concerning if it happens frequently.

How do I know if my athlete is underfueling?

Without complex calculations, parents can watch an athlete for signs and listen for complaints that indicate underfueling. Below is a short list to help.

  1. The athlete is no longer making improvements in skill and performance or has experienced a sudden decrease in performance.
  2. Injuries take a long time to heal or there are recurring injuries, like stress fractures.
  3. Weight loss that is not otherwise explained. It is important to consider that an athlete may not be losing weight but may still not be getting enough calories.
  4. Delayed growth and development. For a female athlete, an obvious sign is irregular or missed periods or a delay in starting her period.
  5. Frequent dizziness and headaches.
  6. Complaints of constant fatigue.

What should I do if I think my young athlete is underfueling?

  • Make sure he/she is getting three balanced meals a day. Busy teens tend to skip the breakfast meal.
  • Add one or two snacks a day. Often the most reliable snack to add is a bedtime snack. Elite young athletes, especially those struggling with underfueling, typically need at least 3 snacks a day.
  • Increase portions in current meals. Small increases throughout the day can make a difference.
  • Make nutrient-dense swaps in meals and snacks. This way your athlete doesn’t have to worry about adding more food or more eating instances in an already packed schedule.
  • Make drinks count. When athletes need extra calories, include beverages like milk, chocolate milk and calcium-fortified orange juice with meals. Offer sports drinks with practices.

Where can I turn for help if I am concerned?

If your child has lingering or recurrent injuries in sports, delay or changes in menstruation or other concerns that might be related to underfueling, our Sports Medicine team can help. After a medical evaluation with a sports medicine physician, additional services such as a consultation with a certified sports dietitian may be recommended. Call 469-515-7100 to request an appointment.  

Find more resources about sports nutrition for young athletes. 

Five Signs Your Young Athlete May Be Underfueling

Five Signs Your Young Athlete May Be Underfueling

by | Mar 3, 2023 | Sports Medicine

What is underfueling?
When athletes do not eat enough calories (or the right calories) to support their growth and development and all of the training. This may occur periodically due to fluctuations in seasons or training schedules, it is particularly concerning if it happens frequently.

How do I know if my athlete is underfueling?
Without complex calculations, parents can watch an athlete for signs and listen for complaints that indicate underfueling. Below is a short list to help.

  1. The athlete is no longer making improvements in skill and performance or has experienced a sudden decrease in performance.
  2. Injuries take a long time to heal or there are recurring injuries, like stress fractures.
  3. Weight loss that is not otherwise explained. It is important to consider that an athlete may not be losing weight but may still not be getting enough calories.
  4. Delayed growth and development. For a female athlete, an obvious sign is irregular or missed periods or a delay in starting her period.
  5. Frequent dizziness and headaches.
  6. Complaints of constant fatigue.

What should I do if I think my young athlete is underfueling?

  • Make sure he/she is getting three balanced meals a day. Busy teens tend to skip the breakfast meal.
  • Add one or two snacks a day. Often the most reliable snack to add is a bedtime snack. Elite young athletes, especially those struggling with underfueling, typically need at least 3 snacks a day.
  • Increase portions in current meals. Small increases throughout the day can make a difference.
  • Make nutrient-dense swaps in meals and snacks. This way your athlete doesn’t have to worry about adding more food or more eating instances in an already packed schedule.
  • Make drinks count. When athletes need extra calories, include beverages like milk, chocolate milk and calcium-fortified orange juice with meals. Offer sports drinks with practices.

Where can I turn for help if I am concerned?
If your child has lingering or recurrent injuries in sports, delay or changes in menstruation or other concerns that might be related to underfueling, our Sports Medicine team can help. After a medical evaluation with a sports medicine physician, additional services such as a consultation with a certified sports dietitian may be recommended. Call 469-515-7100 to request an appointment.  

Find more resources about sports nutrition for young athletes.