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Dallas Morning News: How Volunteering at Scottish Rite Fostered a Heartwarming Friendship

Dallas Morning News: How Volunteering at Scottish Rite Fostered a Heartwarming Friendship

by | Jan 17, 2025 | Press Coverage, Spotlight

At Scottish Rite for Children, volunteers play a vital role in staff, patients and their families’ experiences. By contributing their unique skills, they unite to support the organization’s mission of giving children back their childhoods.

24-year-old Nick Blockzynski returned to Scottish Rite as a volunteer, previously treated for scoliosis. He began volunteering in 2019 and worked in the organization’s mail room. He met 62-year-old retiree Tom Shehan there, and the two quickly formed an extraordinary bond. From delivering mail to having meaningful conversations, Nick and Tom work together as a dynamic duo to bring joy to all children who visit Scottish Rite.

Read the full Dallas Morning News article here. 

Back on Beat: Alyson’s Determination to Heal Her Knees

Back on Beat: Alyson’s Determination to Heal Her Knees

by | Jan 16, 2025 | Sports Medicine

Alyson, a 17-year-old of Dallas, TX, has a passion for the fine arts! She has performed in her school’s musical productions, such as “Chicago” and “Mean Girls,” and even sings in the choir. Her most beloved hobby is dancing, but Alyson’s love for dance was threatened at age 9 when she began to feel frequent pain at dance practice.

Prior to visiting Scottish Rite for Children, Alyson was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in her knees. OCD causes the bone and cartilage at the joint surface to separate due to a lack of blood supply. It is common in young athletes, and may cause symptoms whensport requires running or jumping frequently. Alyson also has a condition called genu valgum, commonly known as knock-knees.

“I found myself needing frequent breaks from dance class, often icing my knees afterwards,” Alyson says. “In choir, I was often told, ‘Aly, stand with your knees straight.’ I physically could not.”

When Alyson’s paid did not improve, a pediatrician referred her to Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco. Philip L. Wilson, M.D., assistant chief of staff, director of Sports Medicine and pediatric orthopedic surgeon, met Alyson and her family and recommended surgery as the best course of action to heal Alyson’s knees.   

“My world came to a standstill,” Alyson says. “My afternoons that I previously spent laughing with my friends or learning techniques from my dance teachers were now spent crying and feeling sick to my stomach with the dread of potentially not dancing again.”

Already familiar with Dr. Wilson from a fracture years before, Alyson decided to proceed with surgery. Dr. Wilson performed a double knee surgery, which involved placing plates and screws in both of her knees. The plates stabilized her knees and assisted in helping her knees grow straighter. The road to recovery required Alyson to stop dancing until she was fully healed.

“All of the doctors and nurses were so helpful,” Alyson says. “My determination to return to my sport fueled me through months and the challenging journey of learning how to walk again.”

Once the screws were removed, Alyson began working hard to heal her knees through physical therapy. What began as a painful setback has transformed into a triumphant comeback, and Alyson’s determination has led her to become her school’s drill team captain this year.

“When the ability to not move freely was taken away from me, I realized how much dance shaped me — not just on the stage and field, but in all areas of my life,” Alyson says. “Scottish Rite will always be remembered as an amazing environment for me. Not only were all of my nurses and doctors encouraging, but I also truly felt open to share what I was feeling with them.”

When and Why to Choose a Pediatric Spine Specialist

When and Why to Choose a Pediatric Spine Specialist

by | Jan 14, 2025 | Scoliosis & Spine

Your child may look or act like a miniature version of you. Still, on the inside, crucial differences make specialized pediatric care a must. When it comes to spinal conditions and injuries, children and adolescents need specialists who understand their growing bodies and developmental stage, as well as the needs of their caregivers and families.

Scottish Rite for Children’s spine experts are here to be an essential part of your child’s care team, whether your child has recently been diagnosed with a genetic spine condition or sustained a spinal injury. Since the 1970s, the multidisciplinary spine team at Scottish Rite continues to conduct leading-edge research, with the goal of identifying the seemingly unanswerable questions regarding spinal conditions.

Anatomy and Development of the Spine

The spine is made of small triangular bones called vertebrae. These bones stack one on top of another, creating a tunnel that wraps around and protects the spinal cord. Openings between the vertebrae allow nerves to branch out to the rest of the body. Muscles and bands of tissue called ligaments help support the spine. Between each bone in the spine is a flexible disc that provides shock absorption and aids in flexibility of the spine (facet) joints.

Although the basic anatomy is the same, a child’s spine is not a smaller version of an adult’s. In infants and children, the spine is more flexible, and the bones are softer. Much of the child’s spine is still cartilage which has not yet turned into bone.

These natural differences in the pediatric spine make children more vulnerable to certain spine conditions and injuries and less vulnerable to others. For instance, some spine and spinal cord conditions, such as scoliosis or spina bifida, typically develop early in life or are present from birth. Additionally, although spinal injuries can happen at any age, children are less likely than adults to have a spine injury. Children under 8 years old who do have this type of injury are more likely to have damage to the vertebrae in the neck than older children, teens or adults.

Specialized Training in Spine Conditions and Injuries

Orthopedic specialists are experts in bone, joint and muscle health. A doctor must complete specialized education beyond medical school to be a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Typically, this includes a five-year supervised program of orthopedic surgery with at least one additional year of fellowship training specific to children.

Spine surgeons are orthopedic doctors who diagnose and treat spine conditions and injuries. Still, not all spine surgeons are experts in treating infants, children or teens. Becoming a pediatric spine surgeon requires additional education and expertise.

 

Benefits of Choosing a Pediatric Spine Specialist

In addition to education related to the spine, pediatric spine specialists have additional training in child development and growth. The spine team at Scottish Rite understands how young patients differ emotionally, mentally and physically depending on age and developmental stage. This unique combination of education and experience allows our pediatric spine specialists to provide outstanding medical care while making patients and their families as comfortable as possible throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

..,.Pediatric orthopedic specialists dedicate all their time to caring for infants, children and teens. Because of this, they can offer a range of treatment options tailored to young patients. Scottish Rite’s spine specialists also stay on the leading edge of research, bringing innovative approaches and procedures to those who need them, including:

 

  • Growing rods, a scoliosis treatment for children under age 10 that minimizes the number of surgeries needed
  • Spinal fusion, a procedure that prevents abnormal spine growth
  • Vertebral body tethering, an implanted anchor and cord system that straightens the spine as children grow
  • Scoliosis bracing, made in-house by Scottish Rite’s orthotics and prosthetics team to provide an individualized experience for each child         
A Team of Specialized Support

Effectively treating spine conditions in infants, children and teens requires a team of experts. Our pediatric spine specialists can easily connect with other pediatric healthcare specialists at Scottish Rite. An interdisciplinary pediatric spine program helps support the whole child throughout treatment and recovery.

Depending on your child’s diagnosis and needs, he or she may receive care from multiple pediatric specialists, such as:

When a child or a teen requires treatment for a spine condition, it can affect the whole family. In addition to expertise in treating children, our pediatric spine specialists can also help connect you to helpful resources. A skilled team of pediatric specialists allows you to focus on caring for your child while providing a safe, comfortable place for your child to heal and grow.

Want to learn how pediatric spine specialists can help your child? Schedule an appointment with a Scottish Rite for Children scoliosis and spine expert.

How Spotting Spondylolysis Early Helps Protect Your Child’s Spine

How Spotting Spondylolysis Early Helps Protect Your Child’s Spine

by | Jan 14, 2025 | Scoliosis & Spine, Sports Medicine

Back pain isn’t an adults-only problem. It also affects children, and spondylolysis — a break in a vertebra — is a common cause.

If your child tells you their low back hurts, especially during physical activity, have a medical provider check it out as quickly as possible. If spondylolysis is present, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent a more serious injury to the vertebra called spondylolisthesis. The sooner your child starts treatment, the sooner they can get back to enjoying an active childhood.

 

Spondylolysis vs. Spondylolisthesis: What’s the Difference?

Spondylolysis is a stress fracture that develops in a vertebra, one of a column of bones that protects the spinal cord. Along the spine, pairs of facet joints help stabilize the vertebrae. A thin piece of vertebra called the pars interarticularis links these joints. Spondylolysis affects this bony connector, most commonly in the vertebrae of the lumbar spine (lower spine).

Without treatment, spondylolysis can lead to spondylolisthesis, which is when the pars interarticularis splits. As a result, the vertebra slips out of position, potentially causing pain and nerve damage.

 

Who’s at Risk for Stress Fractures of the Spine

Repeatedly overstretching the spine stresses the vertebrae, which are especially vulnerable to stress fractures during childhood because they’re still growing. Your child may have a higher risk of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis if they participate in sports or activities that involve frequently leaning back and moving the lumbar spine, including:

  • Ballet
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Cheerleading
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

 

When Back Pain Is a Red Flag

Sometimes, stress fractures of the vertebrae develop silently, without causing symptoms. In other cases, however, these bone breaks provide clues to their presence. Back pain is the main one.

Spondylolysis in a lumbar vertebra can cause low back pain that feels like a muscle strain. Your child’s discomfort may get worse with activity and improve with rest. Other symptoms of spondylolysis include pain in the legs and buttocks, which may be a sign the pain has spread from the back. Spasms from the stress fracture can cause your child’s hamstrings to tighten.

 

Diagnosing and Treating Spondylolysis

If you notice symptoms of spondylolysis, take your child to their primary care provider, who will ask about medical history and sports participation. The medical provider will also perform a physical exam to look for signs of a stress fracture in the low back and legs. He or she may press on your child’s back to identify tender areas or ask your child to bend backward to see if the movement causes discomfort.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, can show stress fractures in the vertebrae and help your child’s medical provider confirm a spondylolysis diagnosis. MRI scans can show whether a stress fracture has led to tissue damage.

Your child’s primary care provider may refer you to a pediatric orthopedic specialist for further evaluation and treatment. If found early, spondylolysis usually heals with nonsurgical treatment.

Your child may need to take a temporary break from sports that put repetitive stress on the low back to give the fracture time to heal. To help the process, they may need to wear a back brace to limit the spine’s movement.

While the injury heals, your child may take over-the-counter pain-relieving medications to stay comfortable. Working with a physical therapist can also help reduce pain and improve strength and flexibility in the lumbar spine.

Surgery isn’t usually necessary. However, if spondylolysis leads to severe spondylolisthesis, spinal fusion may be the most appropriate treatment. During this operation, a surgeon connects two damaged vertebrae using a bone graft so the vertebrae heal into a single, stable bone.

 

How to Reduce Your Child’s Risk of Spondylolysis

You can help protect your child’s spine and keep him or her on the field or court by encouraging simple steps to reduce the risk of spondylolysis, including:

  • Build strength in the middle. Encourage your child to strengthen his or her core to help support the lower back.
  • Focus on one sport at a time to prevent overuse injuries. Don’t let your child play more than one sport that increases the risk of a spinal stress fracture per season.
  • Play it smart. Ensure your child uses the proper equipment and technique for his or her sport.
  • Rest up. Your child should take at least one day off from practice or training each week.
  • Eat a balanced diet. Maintain a healthy diet with adequate calcium and protein intake. Vitamin D supplementation is especially necessary for those missing key nutrients in their diet.

 

Need an expert who can treat your child’s low back pain? Schedule an appointment with a pediatric orthopedic specialist at Scottish Rite for Children.

Does My Child Have High Arches? How to Tell and What to Do

Does My Child Have High Arches? How to Tell and What to Do

by | Jan 14, 2025 | Clubfoot & Foot Disorders

Plantar fascia is tissue that stretches across the bottom of the feet. The tissue connects your heel to your toes. This tissue, along with other muscles and tendons, forms the arch of the foot. A long plantar fascia is present in lower arched feet, while higher arches have a shorter plantar fascia. Though many children with high arches (also known as a cavus foot deformity or pes cavus) have no issues or discomfort, this deformity can lead to foot pain in certain instances.

At Scottish Rite for Children, experts in the Center for Excellence in Foot are committed to improving the lives of children and adolescents with a variety of complex foot conditions through world-class, individualized care. Here’s what you should know to help your child manage their high arch to enjoy an active and healthy life.

 

Recognizing When Your Child Has Cavus Foot

Foot arch deformities, such as high arches, typically develop after age 3. Once high-arched feet develop, the pressure distribution along the bottom of the foot is altered, typically with increased pressure along the forefoot pad and sometimes the outer boarder of the foot. These deformities can be supple or rigid depending on the flexibility present across the arch and foot as a whole.

Whether the arch is flexible or rigid, issues related to pes cavus include:

  • Shortened foot length
  • Development of calluses on the ball, side or heel of the foot
  • Dragging the affected foot when walking (foot drop)
  • Foot pain that occurs when standing, walking and running
  • Frequent ankle sprains
  • Problems fitting feet into shoes
  • Significant space between the ground and the arch of the foot when standing
  • Toes clenched like a fist (claw toes) or bent (hammertoes)
  • Walking primarily on the heel and ball of the foot instead of using the whole foot

If you suspect your child has high arches, seek medical attention. These deformities are often related to an underlying neurologic problem, can be progressive and may result in foot pain and disability.

What Arch Height Means

High arches are the opposite flat feet and don’t always cause foot or arch pain, ankle instability, or other problems. In fact, some young people with high arches don’t experience any effect on their quality of life. These children may benefit from conservative treatment or no treatment at all.

In other cases, a high-arched foot may indicate a neurologic problem or other serious health issue. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, conditions that may cause high-arched feet include:

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and other hereditary neuropathies
  • Structural orthopedic abnormalities
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Spina bifida
What to Do If Your Child Has High Arches

An accurate diagnosis helps uncover a potential neurologic issue causing high arches. To make a diagnosis, your child’s provider may do the following:

  • Discuss your child’s personal and family health history and symptoms
  • Evaluate your child’s foot, walking ability, coordination, neurologic system and how your child’s shoes wear over time
  • Take X-rays for a clear view of the foot bones

If a child’s high arches are rooted in a neurologic condition, his or her provider may examine the entire leg and obtain other tests, such as genetic bloodwork, brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or nerve conduction studies which look for slow, weak signals in your child’s nervous system.

 

Treatments for Cavus Foot

No treatment may be needed if your child’s high arches are flexible or don’t affect quality of life. On the other hand, proper treatment for symptomatic high arches reduces symptoms and prevents future complications.

The goal of conservative treatments for high arches is to relieve pain and support the foot. Options include:

  • Different shoe choices. Sometimes, all that’s needed is the right pair of shoes for different orthopedic needs. Shoes with wider heels and more support may improve stability of your child’s foot and ankle as well as reduce pain.
  • Foot braces. A specialized brace can help manage foot drop. It also provides extra support for the foot and ankle that helps reduce symptoms of high arches.
  • Off-the-rack shoes may not have the interior support needed for high arched feet. Custom orthotic devices provide added cushioning and support.

When conservative treatments don’t give children improved stability and reduced pain, surgery may be necessary. The goal of surgery is to flatten the foot by lowering the arch. Surgical options include:

  • Bone realignment. The surgeon cuts and properly realigns bones. Known as an osteotomy, this procedure may treat one or more bones in the foot.
  • Fusion procedures. Joint movement in the foot can cause pain with high arches. Fusing the joints together can help reduce or eliminate joint movement and pain.
  • Plantar fascia release and tendon transfer surgery. If a problematic high arch stems from the plantar fascia, a surgeon can release the tissue. If other muscles or tendons cause the arch, a surgeon can release or move those muscles or tendons to provide more balanced control of the foot.

Specialized treatment options may be recommended for high arches associated with underlying health conditions.

 

Can Kids Outgrow High Arches?

Without treatment, acquired high arches are likely to remain in place throughout life and, if due to an underlying neurologic cause, may get worse. In the absence of an underlying nerve or muscle condition, high arches typically do not become more severe. As your child gets older, consult his or her provider about any changes in your child’s foot health.

 

Does your child have high arches, flat feet or other foot abnormalities? Find a foot expert at Scottish Rite for Children for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.