Archive for Joanne Barker
Griffin’s return to the slopes and sea after kneecap dislocation
Whether cruising down a snowy trail or catching a wave, 18-year-old Griffin Srokose loves the adrenaline and freedom he feels when snowboarding and surfing. He used to enjoy lacrosse as well, but after dislocating his left kneecap during a game at the age of 14, his kneecap continued to pop out of place. By the ... Read More about Griffin’s return to the slopes and sea after kneecap dislocation
Emergency department or urgent clinic? Understanding your options if your child is injured
Having an active or adventurous child often means comforting them when they come home with bumps or bruises. But when an injury is more serious, parents don’t always know where to seek the right level of care. The injury may look serious, but a trip to the emergency department may seem over the top — ... Read More about Emergency department or urgent clinic? Understanding your options if your child is injured
Novel procedure may bridge the treatment gap for symptomatic flexible flatfoot
Most children develop arches in their feet by early adolescence. About 20 percent, however, have pes planovalgus (PPV), also known as flexible flatfoot. Most children with PPV can participate in sports and other activities without issue, but others have ongoing pain in their feet that limit function and activities. Until recently in the U.S., children ... Read More about Novel procedure may bridge the treatment gap for symptomatic flexible flatfoot
Born with congenital scoliosis, Thelma looks to the future
Sixteen-year-old Thelma Alemnji probably enjoys student life more than most high school juniors. After all, up until last year, activities like drama club, debate club, and student government were out of reach. Born with severe congenital scoliosis and thoracic insufficiency syndrome, Thelma’s childhood and early adolescence were marked by regular hospital visits and frequent surgeries: ... Read More about Born with congenital scoliosis, Thelma looks to the future
In cases of pediatric cervical spine instability, two attending surgeons are better than one
Cervical spine instability (caused by congenital deformity, trauma, or a tumor) can affect children in a number of ways: from chronic headaches to bowel dysfunction to severe mobility limitations. In many cases, misaligned vertebrae compress the spinal cord and surrounding nerves, causing neurological issues, which, if left untreated, can lead to long-term disability. Common indications ... Read More about In cases of pediatric cervical spine instability, two attending surgeons are better than one
Going for gold starts with breakfast: Nutrition advice for athletes
As they speed-climb 49-foot walls or spring across narrow balance beams, athletes rely on nutrition to provide the energy they need to achieve their dreams. Sports dietitian Laura Moretti Reece offers all athletes this simple nutrition advice: 1. Eat enough. Food is fuel, says Reece of Boston Children’s Female Athlete Program. Athletes need fuel for ... Read More about Going for gold starts with breakfast: Nutrition advice for athletes
From injury to backflips: A path to recovery for gymnasts
Gymnasts can create the illusion that gravity doesn’t exist. As they spring from one acrobatic skill into the next, they leave spectators little time to consider the strain they’re putting on their wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Nonetheless, a single back handspring exerts force equal to two to four times an athlete’s weight on their upper ... Read More about From injury to backflips: A path to recovery for gymnasts
Are cochlear implants an option for my child?
By providing access to sound, cochlear implants have made it possible for children with severe to profound hearing loss to communicate through speech. The devices transmit signals from external processors to the brain via units implanted underneath the skin and small wires connected to the inner ear. “Cochlear implants can be life changing for a ... Read More about Are cochlear implants an option for my child?
Nurse-led innovations: A virtual-nursing pilot helps nurses thrive
It was night shift on the 9E Inpatient Medical Unit and Marisol Hernandez, BSN, RN, CPN, was helping another nurse review her patient assignments. With about 85 percent of their patients admitted from the emergency department (ED), nurses on the unit at Boston Children’s Hospital often don’t know how many patients will be admitted during ... Read More about Nurse-led innovations: A virtual-nursing pilot helps nurses thrive
Lucas receives gene therapy for DMD and finds his super muscles
Lucas Toro has a lot in common with Gekko, the cartoon character from PJ Masks. They’re both “little guys” whose strength surprises people. And they both use their muscles for good. Getting strong is a new feeling for Lucas — one he’s using to blaze new trails for other kids. In September 2023, he became ... Read More about Lucas receives gene therapy for DMD and finds his super muscles