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 […]
Magnetic growth rods help stabilize scoliosis for Suffield 3rd grader
Patrick Carr is no stranger to doctors or to Akron Children’s Hospital for that matter. Born with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes him to develop benign tumors in various areas of his body, he sees specialists in neurology, endocrinology and cardiology, and recently he added orthopedics to the mix. It was in 2018 at […]
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 […]
The catalyst for cutting-edge care
For Todd Ritzman, MD, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Akron Children’s Hospital, helping patients achieve outcomes that were once never thought possible is one of the most rewarding aspects of his job. “The great part of being an orthopedic surgeon is watching a child with a broken bone or a congenital deformity enjoy childhood,” Dr. Ritzman […]
Casting helps Solon boy conquer scoliosis without surgery
It takes a lot to rattle Michelle Stevens. The mom of 4 boys ages 14, 11, 10 and 8, two of whom have Fragile X syndrome, a genetic mutation that causes intellectual delays, is used to rolling with the punches. When her youngest son, Max, was 4 months old she wasn’t terribly concerned when she […]
A safer scan for patients like Bailey
Bailey Fumich’s mother has lost count of how many X-rays he’s had to have since first being seen for scoliosis nearly a decade ago. “He’s had a lot,” said Tina McKenna, noting that Bailey got X-rays about every 6 months as doctors in the Akron Children’s spine program monitored his scoliosis. Now Bailey, who underwent […]
