Page 68 - SHRINERS CHILDREN'S OPEN 2022

THE TOURNAMENT | MORE THAN JUST GOLF

Research indicates that radiation from repeated X-rays can increase
the risk factor for cancer later in life and that radiation exposure
is cumulative over a person’s lifespan. This is a great concern to
our medical teams, who are committed to providing the best and
the safest treatment available to our patients. EOS imaging is
particularly helpful for use with children who need multiple images
taken throughout their course of treatment.

Vertebral Body Tethering
Medical staff at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, led by Chief
of Surgery Amer Samdani, M.D., developed the methods and
techniques underlying vertebral body tethering (VBT) and worked
with numerous stakeholders to bring the technology involved
in VBT to approval. Now VBT is offered at additional Shriners
Children’s locations, including Portland, Oregon and Northern
California.

Vertebral body tethering straightens the spine using the patient’s
growth process. It is a less invasive procedure than spinal fusion,
and preserves mobility. VBT uses a strong, flexible cord to gently
pull on the outside of a scoliosis curve to straighten the spine. A
screw is placed in each vertebra of the curve and then attached
to the flexible cord with the spine in a straighter position. Scoliosis
progression is stopped, the spine is realigned and can continue
to grow, and flexibility is maintained. As the child grows, it is
anticipated that curve progression will be halted and the spine will
remain straight. The pressure from the cord slows the growth on the
tall side of the vertebra, so that the short side can grow and catch
up. This novel technology allows for both correction and continued
motion at the levels of the spine treated, unlike fusion surgeries.

Sports injuries
Shriners Children’s is also a leader in treating sports injuries,
helping children get back to action after they suffer injuries in sports,
exercise, or at play.

In a growing child, growth plates are open and are the weakest part
of a child's skeleton. Injuries can occur at the growth plates because
of overuse, when movements are repeated over and over in that part
of the body while playing. Treating a sports injury in a child can be
very different from caring for the same injury in an adult.

All appointments start with a history and physical exam. Doctors
need to learn how an injury happened and test range of motion
before deciding on a care plan. A child with an injury may need
splinting, casting or surgery. On-site physical and occupational
therapists work with patients and families to create custom
rehabilitation plans and goals.

For 100 years, Shriners Children’s has dedicated itself to its
signature standard of care – regardless of a family’s ability to pay or
insurance status. Thank you for supporting the mission of Shriners
Children’s as we step into our next century of care for children!

64 October 3-9, 2022 | TPC SUMMERLIN | LAS VEGAS, NV