Without question, Dr. Stephanie Russo’s most memorable moment was witnessing a preschooler hug her mom the minute her cast from shoulder surgery was removed. Through tears of joy, her mom explained it was the very first time her daughter was able to give her a real hug. It’s moments like this that remind Dr. Russo […]
Post-scoliosis surgery, college decathlete is at top of his game
When you are a college decathlete, you are first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. After all, you have 10 events – from sprints and distance races, long and high jumps, hurdles, pole vault and discus and javelin throws – to master. Colin Roberts, 18, is not only thriving as a freshman […]
Shilla (growth) rods allow young scoliosis patient to continue to grow
At the tender age of 24 hours old, Isaac Lauper underwent his very first surgery at Akron Children’s. Born with spina bifida myelomeningocele (a neural tube defect where the spine is exposed), Isaacs’s spine needed to be surgically closed after birth. Due to many other conditions that are secondary to his spina bifida, Isaac has […]
Akron Children’s orthopedic surgeons reduce opioid prescriptions by 54 percent
As the opioid crisis grew into a national epidemic, the nine pediatric orthopedic surgeons at Akron Children’s began analyzing their own pain prescribing practices and how they compared with peers. This led to a standardized protocol that has reduced the amount of narcotics being prescribed by 54 percent. “The opioid epidemic, a multifactorial issue with […]
Wellness checks play huge role in early detection of scoliosis
Dr. Lorena Floccari explains why it’s important to keep well visit appointments as they play a big role in early detection of scoliosis. Pre-teens and teenagers the most vulnerable as the spinal curve can advance during peak growth spurts. It’s ideal to catch scoliosis early because it can typically be treated with a brace rather […]
Schroth Method aims to reduce need for surgery in scoliosis patients
In July 2019, Melanie Tamulewicz took her 9-year-old daughter, Elle, in for what she thought would be a routine well visit with pediatrician Dr. Cheryl Markle. Instead of being sent on their way with a ‘see you next year,’ the Tamulewiczs left with a referral to one of Akron Children’s spine specialists. “When Dr. Markle […]
