Healing Gifts Spring 2014 - Advocate Children's Hospital Insert

PHILANTHROPY at Advocate Children’s Hospital News and views for our generous friends Spotlight: Pediatric Orthopedics at Advocate Children’s Hospital For children with bone and joint disorders resulting from birth defects, illnesses or injuries, daily life can be an uphill struggle— physically, socially and emotionally. Orthopedic problems can stunt their growth, restrict their activity and often impair their appearance. Advocate Children’s Hospital is renowned for its exceptional orthopedic care for children and adolescents. The hospital’s pediatric orthopedic experts are specially trained to treat the unique orthopedic needs of children’s active and still-growing bodies. Our team is committed to helping improve children’s musculoskeletal health and function, allowing children to enjoy a more active, carefree childhood. The expertise of Advocate Children’s Hospital staff and the extraordinary breadth of the cases they handle combine to create the perfect arena for pioneering improvements in care that make a big difference for many patients. Philanthropic funds for medical education and research help lead to advances that dramatically improve quality of life for children with orthopedic problems. For more information or to make a gift, visit advocatechildrenshospital.com/giving. To Walk in her shoes Born with a short femur, Claire Jerome waited until a new technology was available to lengthen her limb in a safe and less invasive manner. Like many little girls, Claire Jerome wanted a pair of light-up shoes. However, she was never able to wear them because until recently, Claire had to use a special lift in her left shoe that would only fit in certain footwear. Claire was born with her left femur six centimeters shorter than the right, making her one of the 100,000 people who are diagnosed with limb-length disorders in the U.S. each year. If left untreated, the condition can result in chronic leg and back pain and other debilitating conditions. When Claire was 6 months old, her parents, Marsha and John Jerome, took her to see Andrea Kramer, MD, a pediatric orthopedic specialist at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute who is on staff at Advocate Children’s Hospital – Park Ridge. Dr. Kramer thought it would be best to monitor Claire’s growth and perform corrective surgery— but not right away. “At the time I met Claire the Claire Jerome and her mom, Marsha common treatment option for leg lengthening was an external fixator, which has pins and a frame on the outside of the leg—making the patient more susceptible to infections and potential fractures after the lengthening,” says Dr. Kramer. “We were aware that a new technology was being pioneered that would make the process much easier and safer for the patient. Waiting for that new procedure was the best option for Claire.” continued on the inside...