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One-of-a-Kind Program Teaches Pediatric Fundamentals in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

One-of-a-Kind Program Teaches Pediatric Fundamentals in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

by | Jun 19, 2023 | Research & Innovation

The use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) is becoming increasingly popular and a point of emphasis in trainee education; however, most training programs focus on conditions in adults. Scottish Rite for Children experts have developed an introductory program to help new users learn about the unique skills and applications in the pediatric setting.

After a successful inaugural course in 2022, Scottish Rite hosted a second MSK US program. The feedback continues to show that we have a unique conference, and we plan to continue offering the program regularly.

This interactive, hands-on program features faculty from a variety of pediatric subspecialities including radiology, rheumatology and sports medicine. Attendees traveled to Frisco, Texas from across the country and internationally with a variety of clinical certifications including physical therapists, sonographers, nurse practitioners, physicians as well as radiology administrators.

Staff were encouraged to hear that all attendees indicated they were “very likely” or “definitely” going to recommend this course to others. Asked about the best part of the program, attendees’ responses are indicative of what future participants should expect:

  • All the hands-on activities intermixed with patient lecture beforehand; the teachers were incredibly kind.
  • Having pediatric patients!! Variety of faculty. Loved having MDS, RMSK, US Sonographer and radiologists. Truly a fantastic course.
  • Short lectures alternating with hands-on
  • Hands-on practice in SMALL groups with EXPERIENCED mentors.
  • It was so helpful having pediatric models – I really learned a lot from the hands-on sessions!
  • Multi-modal approach to learning
  • The dual hands-on and lecture content kept my mind and body awake and elevated the overall learning experience!

Jacob C. Jones, M.D., RMSK, says, “The program is intended to offer an introduction to ultrasound basics including settings, scanning and injection techniques focused on skeletally immature patients.” Throughout the day, more than 20 children and teens ranging from 5 to 19 shared their time with our learners.

After a lecture introducing scanning for rheumatologic conditions, participants observed and practiced scanning patients with active joint inflammation. Nurse practitioner Heather Benham, D.N.P., APRN, CPNP-PC, RhMSUS explains, “We are grateful for these patients and the other children volunteers who make this course so special. It is very difficult to teach these principles when scanning healthy joints.”

During one scanning session, Scottish Rite sonographer Kelly Sherrard, RDMS, demonstrated the techniques of evaluating newborns for developmental dysplasia of the hips. Three-month-old twins served as our models for this exciting addition to the program. The expertise required for this population makes it difficult to include this training in the program, but attendees expressed their appreciation for the demonstration and the complexity of the skill.

Join the email list so you can gain early access to registration for future courses. Our next program is being planned for November 2023.

Share Your Story: Exceptional Care

Share Your Story: Exceptional Care

by | Jun 16, 2023 | Hip Disorders

Meet Sam, a patient who is treated by our experts in the Center for Excellence in Hip. Sam and Dr. Kim have formed a special bond through the years, as Sam was just 9 years old when he first became Dr. Kim’s patient. Sam has a childhood disorder of the hip called Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, also known as Perthes disease.

Perthes is a condition in which a child’s hip joint is abnormal, and the blood supply to the head of the thighbone is temporarily stopped. Perthes is uncommon — approximately five to 10 children per 100,000 will be diagnosed each year — and it more commonly affects boys — one in 760 boys.

Nonsurgical treatments might include reducing physical activity and weightbearing on the affected legs using crutches, wheelchairs, casting and/or bracing. In Sam’s case, a surgery called an osteotomy was necessary. Surgical treatments for Perthes might include pelvic or femoral osteotomy, a process that reorients the pelvis or femur. In older children, another treatment option is to make bone channels to speed up healing and to inject bone marrow stem cells.

Perthes disease is a very uncommon condition that few doctors have experience in diagnosing and treating. It is important for parents to find a pediatric orthopedic specialist with a special interest in Perthes disease that cares for children with the condition regularly. 
 
Under the direction of Harry Kim, M.D., M.S., researchers in our Center for Excellence in Hip are dedicated to studying the progression of Perthes and other hip conditions, in kids just like Sam. Scottish Rite for Children is the leading center for the International Perthes Study Group (IPSG). 

IPSG includes more than 50 pediatric orthopedic surgeons and researchers from 10 different countries who are dedicated to improving the care of patients with Perthes disease. Their research provides important insight into this condition and will lead to the development of new treatment methods. As a long-time patient at Scottish Rite, Sam also participated in clinical research studies and understands the impact of quality patient care and the importance of research on a patient’s life.
 
It’s been a couple of years since your last surgery. How are you doing?  
I am currently in high school, and in the summer, I work as a lifeguard at our local pool. I think my life is pretty normal. My friends understand it can sometimes hurt when I walk for too long, so I use my bike to ride when my friends are walking, or we all take the golf cart. 
 
Can you talk about your connection with Dr. Kim?  
Dr. Kim and his staff have always explained everything to me in ways that I can understand. As a teenager, they talk to me about my disease and include me in everything. I really appreciate the effort they make to keep me involved in my care.
 
Do you have any specific memories about your time spent at Scottish Rite? 
Scottish Rite helped me stay active when I couldn’t walk. I learned how to do special stretches and started doing activities that allowed me to stay active and strong during treatment. I’m thankful I was able to keep moving, and I continue to swim and play sled hockey. Because of the treatment I received from Scottish Rite, I can walk, hike, play and have fun with my friends! 
 
Also, when I had my different surgeries, I loved spending time in the Child Life Playroom. Everyone was really nice and helped make things seem less scary. 

What would you tell patients and families thinking about participating in research at Scottish Rite? 
Do it! It is the best decision you can make! 
 
What are your plans for your future? 
I am on my school’s robotics team. I want to be an engineer. 

Can you talk about your overall experience at Scottish Rite? 
Sam’s mom, Nerissa – I have learned that the Scottish Rite will take care of you. Sam is inspiring others in the sport of sled hockey and staying active in a sport he loves because of Scottish Rite! Sam is actually my second child to benefit from Scottish Rite. My daughter Meredith went through the Take Flight program and graduated high school with an incredible GPA! None of this would be possible without Scottish Rite!

I feel incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Kim as my son’s doctor. Not only does he provide exceptional medical care for my son’s bone disease, but he also goes above and beyond.

One aspect that truly sets Dr. Kim and his staff apart is their commitment to attending Camp Perthes every year. This camp serves as a wonderful platform for encouragement, not only for Dr. Kim’s patients and parents, but also for everyone in attendance. It’s truly heartwarming to see a medical professional and team take the time to support and uplift individuals facing challenges.

The care and support we have received from Dr. Kim and his staff have been outstanding. They are an incredibly caring and supportive group of professionals who genuinely understand the difficulties that come with dealing with something hard in life. Their compassionate nature and dedication make a world of difference in our journey.

Dr. Kim’s expertise in treating my son’s bone disease is exceptional. He and the team consistently ensure that we understand the treatment options available and take the time to answer all our questions with patience and clarity. His approach instills confidence and trust, which is invaluable in such a challenging situation.

Scottish Rite for Children is equally remarkable. Everyone is friendly, attentive and always ready to lend a helping. I cannot recommend Dr. Kim and his team highly enough. If you are looking for a doctor who genuinely cares and supports you through difficult times, Dr. Kim is the one to trust.

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

Bracing for Scoliosis

Bracing for Scoliosis

by | Jun 16, 2023 | Scoliosis & Spine

At Scottish Rite for Children, we are committed to providing individualized patient care to every child. As one of the most common conditions our experts treat, scoliosis can present in many forms. Depending on the child and the severity of their curve, the plan for treatment can vary. 

Bracing is a treatment option for patients whose curve is smaller to moderate. It is during a patient’s adolescent years that he or she is growing the most, which means their curve can also grow. The ultimate goal of a brace is to prevent the curve from getting larger to ultimately avoid the need for surgery in the future. However, a brace does not cure scoliosis.

At Scottish Rite, there are different types of custom-made braces for patients. Below are the most common:

TLSO (Boston) Brace

  • TLSO stands for thoracolumbosacral orthosis.
  • For a child whose curve ranges from 25 to 40 degrees and is located in the middle to lower back.
  • This brace is worn during the day. Depending on the child’s curve, the doctor will prescribe the number of hours he or she should wear the brace.
  • Custom made for every child, the brace starts at the armpit and comes down to the pelvic bone.
  • The brace is worn under clothing.
  • Patients are able to remain active while wearing the brace. However, you must check with your doctor on any restrictions.

Providence (nighttime) Brace

  • Used for smaller curves located lower on the spine.
  • Most effective for patients who still have a good amount of growing left.
  • Because of its structure, this brace can only be worn at night.
  • The brace goes up one side of the body, essentially pushing the curve the opposite way.
  • The brace holds the spine in the correct straight position while growing during the night.
  • It is custom made for each child.
  • It doesn’t hurt, but if uncomfortable, it can be refitted.
  • Within a few days, patients say they are used to sleeping while wearing the brace.

Learn more about scoliosis bracing. 

Get to Know our Staff: Nick Foo, Human Resources

Get to Know our Staff: Nick Foo, Human Resources

by | Jun 15, 2023 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?  
Senior HRIS analyst
 
What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
Research, analyze, design and maintain Human Resources applications with regard to administration and projects.
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here?
My first job was as a party attendant at an Inflatable Party Zone. Scottish Rite’s mission is what attracted me. The ability to impact someone’s life and have the ripple effect is something that cannot be replaced.
 
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
The people. The culture at Scottish Rite is unique, and you can feel the warmth of the organization from day one.
 
Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
HRIS is a specialized role that works with both IT and HR and uses data to make the system more user-friendly for everyone in the organization. 
 
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Japan
 
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Basketball
 
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
1774
Dine with Superheroes and Princesses!

Dine with Superheroes and Princesses!

by | Jun 8, 2023 | Events

Crayon Club’s unique, child-friendly event scheduled for Saturday, June 24, 2023, will bring together families for a magical meet-and-greet experience complete with superheroes, princesses, and other characters. The event will include breakfast, an autograph session, silent auction, face-painting and more. All proceeds from the 2023 Character Breakfast will directly benefit the patients of Scottish Rite for Children.

Online registration opens on Tuesday, April 25, and closes at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23. Walk-ups are welcome, but keep in mind that limited seats are available.

Purchase Tickets

Crayon Club was established to unite young professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children. Together, through volunteerism, education and philanthropy, Crayon Club supports the mission of Scottish Rite for Children.

For more information, please visit our Crayon Club page or view a Facebook photo album.