Casting questions

March 8, 2006

Hi,

I have been reading all of the great

experiences with casting and since that is what is in store for us in the near

future I thought that I’d find out what I’m in for. My 9

month old is currently in a brace that she wears 23 hours a day, we are going

for an MRI a week from Friday to rule out a tethered spinal cord. I think

that we’ll be casting after that. Her curve is currently 41 degrees

without the brace and she’s almost straight with the brace

on. How long does a child typically remain in a cast or

series of casts? On a daily basis, how do you deal with having a

baby/child in a body cast? What position will she be cast in, prone? Sitting?

How big is the cast? Does it depend on the curve? Someone

answered my diapering question earlier, Thanks for that!

I appreciate all the energy on this

list. Good luck to all who have been posted about, I hope to get to know

you all better as time goes on.

( & Alison) in Provo

March 8, 2006

Please visit the ISOP web site...I believe it will answer almost, if not all of you questions after you have read it in its entireity. The URL is www.infantilescoliosis.org I have also included my daughter's story for you. Madison was born full term by C-Section on 26 August 2003. At birth, her pediatrician noticed a click in her left hip. An orthopaedist was called in and she was immediately placed in a Rhino "Kicker" Pavlik Harness. She wore this brace 24/7 and under no circumstances was it allowed to be removed. After three months it was finally removed. I was able to give her her first bath. This is when I noticed her rib hump. I took her back to the same group of orthopedists, who actually specialize in pediatric scoliosis, and was told there was nothing wrong with her spine. He suggested it was probably

either just her using muscles on one side of her body or because of the Pavlik Harness and would need a little time to adjust. My husband finally returned from deployment when she was 7 months old and he noticed her rib hump also. This is when we decided there had to be something wrong. We took her to her pediatrician who looked at her back with a scoliometer and immediately determined she did in fact have some type of scoliosis. We went for x-rays and our suspicions were confirmed. This was 23 March 2004 and her COBB and RVAD were both 30. He sent us to an orthopaedist he knew, a specialist in infantile scoliosis. We saw him the same day and he sent us to have Madison's first TLSO made. Her COBB in brace showed to be 13. By the time our follow up visit came 26 April 2004, out of brace, she had already progressed to COBB 48 and RVAD 50. She wore this brace 23 1/2hours a day, to be removed for bathing 3 times per week. This is when he told us about his old

pal Jaque. He said he didn't know where he was practicing these days, but knew he applied casts to babies with scoliosis and was having great results. My hunt began. I spent that entire night on the Internet searching for Dr. D'Astous. In my hunt I found the most helpful asset imaginable, ISOP. We watched the "New Direction" video and talked to Luther (Shriner's Hospital) quite extensively about the procedure. We decided casting sounded like the best option for Madison. While we anxiously awaited her appointment for evaluation and treatment with Dr. D'Astous, our pediatrician sent us for what seemed like a thousand tests. Madison had an MRI of her spine, a slit test with an ophthalmologist, a renal ultrasound, and a trip to a geneticist to rule out a Connective Tissue Disorder. The renal ultrasound led to radionuclide VCUG. She was also referred for an echocardiogram, however; she was casted before we could get that appointment. Her appointments went

as follows: 26 May 2004 Before Cast: Cobb 52 RVAD 40 After Cast: Cobb 21 RVAD 20 Rotation was significantly reduced 14 July 2004 After the new cast was applied: COBB 14 RVAD 2 13 Sept 2004 Before Cast: Cobb 25 RVAD 6 After Cast: Cobb 2 RVAD 6 It was at this casting it was noticed her rotation increased and a new compensatory curve developed Cobb: 11 22 Nov 2004 Before Cast: Cobb 17 with increased rotation again After Cast: Cobb 8 RVAD 1 9 Mar 2005 Before Cast: Cobb 16 RVAD 3 After Cast: Cobb 5 RVAD 0 25 May 2005 Before Cast; Cobb 5 RVAD 0 After Cast; Cobb 0 RVAD 0 (Mold for TLSO made while still under anesthesia.) Madison's final cast was removed 27 July 2005 and her Cobb angle was 12. This x-ray was taken after

she out of the cast for 24 hours. The previous out of cast x-rays were taken within 5 minutes of cast removal. Madison wore the TLSO that was made for her there until January 2006. She bagan wearing a new brace 10 Jan 2006. Upon X-rays for this brace she measures Cobb 4 and RVAD 0. Weaning of the brace will begin in March 2006 by eliminating 2 hours a day per week. She will wear it only while she sleeps for one month. At this point new x-rays will be taken and if the correction has remained bracing will be discontinued. I can't thank and Olivia enough. They have fought the good fight so that I haven't had to fight at all. Dr. D'Astous and his entire team in Salt Lake City will have an eternal place in our hearts. I would also like to thank Ms. Min Mehta for dedicating her life's work to helping babies like mine. I will be more than happy to answer any questions. Please feel free to email me Sincerely, <urbanmattandrea@...> wrote: Hi, I have been reading all of the great experiences with casting and since that is what is in store for us in the near future I thought that I’d find out what I’m in for. My 9 month old is currently in a brace that she wears 23 hours a day, we are going for an MRI a week from Friday to rule out a tethered spinal cord. I think that we’ll be casting after that. Her curve is currently 41 degrees without the brace and she’s almost straight with the brace on. How long does a child typically remain in a cast or series of casts? On a daily basis, how do you deal with having a baby/child in a body cast? What position will she be cast in, prone? Sitting? How big is the cast? Does it depend on the curve? Someone answered my diapering question earlier, Thanks for that!

I appreciate all the energy on this list. Good luck to all who have been posted about, I hope to get to know you all better as time goes on. ( & Alison) in Provo

Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze.

March 8, 2006

,

Miss Mehta told me the length of time spent in cast is usually equal to the age of the child when he/she was put in cast. So, since Ian was casted at 15 mos, she estimated he would spend 12 to 15 months in a cast. Then they recommend 6 months of bracing to maintain the straight alignment. Of course, each child is different, so this is just a ball park estimate.

When the cast her, she will be in traction using an AMIL table (assuming you are going to shriners). It will cover from below her armpists to low on her waist...actually probably closer to the tops of her thighs. Sometimes they will do shoulder straps on the cast (think tank top style) depending on where the apex of the curve is.

If you would like to see some pictures, please email me privately at noellesmommy@... and I will send you a link to Ian's pictures from Shriners. You will get a very good feel for what the cast looks like from the pics.

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Casting questions

Hi,

I have been reading all of the great experiences with casting and since that is what is in store for us in the near future I thought that I’d find out what I’m in for. My 9 month old is currently in a brace that she wears 23 hours a day, we are going for an MRI a week from Friday to rule out a tethered spinal cord. I think that we’ll be casting after that. Her curve is currently 41 degrees without the brace and she’s almost straight with the brace on. How long does a child typically remain in a cast or series of casts? On a daily basis, how do you deal with having a baby/child in a body cast? What position will she be cast in, prone? Sitting? How big is the cast? Does it depend on the curve? Someone answered my diapering question earlier, Thanks for that!

I appreciate all the energy on this list. Good luck to all who have been posted about, I hope to get to know you all better as time goes on.

( & Alison) in Provo

March 8, 2006

, e-mail me privately. I'd like to chat. We are from Utah as well. My in-laws live in Provo! Both me and my husband went to UVSC (went elsewhere for graduate school.) Our son Cole has scoliosis. He will be 1 tomorrow and will be getting his third cast in two weeks. he started out at 45 degrees, and is now at 15. We are currently living in Cleveland (husband in law and business school), but are actually traveling to St. this afternoon to visit my parents during spring break. Would love to talk on the phone as well.michelle_r_baird@...Michelle Baird <urbanmattandrea@...> wrote: Hi, I have been reading all of the great experiences with casting and since that is what is in store for us in the near future I thought that Iâ€™d find out what Iâ€™m in for. My 9 month old is currently in a brace that she wears 23 hours a day, we are going for an MRI a week from Friday to rule out a

tethered spinal cord. I think that weâ€™ll be casting after that. Her curve is currently 41 degrees without the brace and sheâ€™s almost straight with the brace on. How long does a child typically remain in a cast or series of casts? On a daily basis, how do you deal with having a baby/child in a body cast? What position will she be cast in, prone? Sitting? How big is the cast? Does it depend on the curve? Someone answered my diapering question earlier, Thanks for that! I appreciate all the energy on this list. Good luck to all who have been posted about, I hope to get to know you all better as time goes on. ( & Alison) in Provo

Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze.

August 26, 2010

Just as a jumping off point- I put together a "What to Expect on the first day..." document that is on the home page of www.infantilescoliosis.org on the left side in the blue links. It includes bathing tips, etc...ask away on anything not in there. I'm sure parents will chime in on the specifics of AL. Heidi, Bexon's Mommy, (3 years old, in 8th cast from Salt Lake City Shriners, currently down from 62 degrees to 20 in cast)From: <laura.fiegel@...>infantile scoliosis treatment Sent: Wed, August 25, 2010 1:09:16 PMSubject: Casting Questions

First, I spoke with Dr. K's nurse (in AL)... she said Pierce is a prime candidate because of his age. I am in the process of getting his xrays and emailing them over. If Dr. K determines his case is progressive (an RVAD of 20+) then we'll head to AL!

Second... for those of you that have started casting, can you tell me more about - what to expect? I know they go into the OR - I am assuming you leave same day (like w/in a few hrs)? How is it with clothing? Carseats? Etc... thanks!

August 26, 2010

Thanks for that info! I just read it... one thing I didn't see addressed was

carseats... does it make any difference? Thanks again!

NIck Guthe <nickguthe@...> wrote:

>Just as a jumping off point- I put together a " What to Expect on the first

>day... " document that is on the home page of www.infantilescoliosis.org on the

>left side in the blue links. It includes bathing tips, etc...ask away on

>anything not in there. I'm sure parents will chime in on the specifics of AL.

>

> Heidi, Bexon's Mommy, (3 years old, in 8th cast from Salt Lake City Shriners,

>currently down from 62 degrees to 20 in cast)

>

>________________________________

>From: <laura.fiegel@...>

>infantile scoliosis treatment

>Sent: Wed, August 25, 2010 1:09:16 PM

>Subject: Casting Questions

>

>First, I spoke with Dr. K's nurse (in AL)... she said Pierce is a prime

>candidate because of his age. I am in the process of getting his xrays and

>emailing them over. If Dr. K determines his case is progressive (an RVAD of

20+)

>then we'll head to AL!

>

>Second... for those of you that have started casting, can you tell me more

about

>- what to expect? I know they go into the OR - I am assuming you leave same day

>(like w/in a few hrs)? How is it with clothing? Carseats? Etc... thanks!

>

August 26, 2010

Carseats for some have been an issue. Adelyn in Chicago had to leave the hospital with a loaner because the seat they bought didn't work after cast. She prompted us to start fundraising for Britax seats here in ville. We made a carseats for casters flyer and acquired 4 Britax marathon seats. Some new and a couple used in mint condition and certified by a specialist. Adelyn got her pretty seat as well as another friend in Chicago. We gave the NIB seats to the hospital and have 5 more in the works we will give to the hospital or other casters who might need one. We are several weeks out or I would offer one.Britax Boulevard and Marathon are convertible and the straps and angles are a nice fit for casters. Evenflow makes a convertible seat as well as several others. Our first seat was an Alpha Omega convertible. It didn't fit well and we were advised by the hospital to replace it. We

have both the Britax Marathon and Boulevard and have been happy. Sent from my iPhoneOn Aug 25, 2010, at 5:59 PM, " R. Fiegel" <laura.fiegel@...> wrote:

Thanks for that info! I just read it... one thing I didn't see addressed was carseats... does it make any difference? Thanks again!

NIck Guthe <nickguthe@...> wrote:

>Just as a jumping off point- I put together a "What to Expect on the first

>day..." document that is on the home page of www.infantilescoliosis.org on the

>left side in the blue links. It includes bathing tips, etc...ask away on

>anything not in there. I'm sure parents will chime in on the specifics of AL.

>

> Heidi, Bexon's Mommy, (3 years old, in 8th cast from Salt Lake City Shriners,

>currently down from 62 degrees to 20 in cast)

>

>________________________________

>From: <laura.fiegel@...>

>infantile scoliosis treatment

>Sent: Wed, August 25, 2010 1:09:16 PM

>Subject: Casting Questions

>

>First, I spoke with Dr. K's nurse (in AL)... she said Pierce is a prime

>candidate because of his age. I am in the process of getting his xrays and

>emailing them over. If Dr. K determines his case is progressive (an RVAD of 20+)

>then we'll head to AL!

>

>Second... for those of you that have started casting, can you tell me more about

>- what to expect? I know they go into the OR - I am assuming you leave same day

>(like w/in a few hrs)? How is it with clothing? Carseats? Etc... thanks!

>

August 26, 2010

And we are the total opposite.......we had a plain jane Eddie Bauer carseat from Target the whole time was in casts for 14 months.....we never changed it and he did fine.

I think the main thing is to make sure you check on it before you leave the hospital. I mean have your child sit in the seat and maybe go for a test drive in the parking lot.

Good luck! TashaMommy of 5 year old twin boys- and Fort Worth, Texas is treated at Texas ish Rite Hospital in Dallas, TexasSeries of 6 casts for 14 months followed by bracing since September 2007You can read 's story at.... http://www.infantilescoliosis.org/stories.html

From: Chad And Catie <chadandcatie@...>"infantile scoliosis treatment " <infantile scoliosis treatment >Sent: Wed, August 25, 2010 6:22:38 PMSubject: Re: Casting Questions

Carseats for some have been an issue. Adelyn in Chicago had to leave the hospital with a loaner because the seat they bought didn't work after cast. She prompted us to start fundraising for Britax seats here in ville. We made a carseats for casters flyer and acquired 4 Britax marathon seats. Some new and a couple used in mint condition and certified by a specialist. Adelyn got her pretty seat as well as another friend in Chicago. We gave the NIB seats to the hospital and have 5 more in the works we will give to the hospital or other casters who might need one. We are several weeks out or I would offer one.

Britax Boulevard and Marathon are convertible and the straps and angles are a nice fit for casters. Evenflow makes a convertible seat as well as several others. Our first seat was an Alpha Omega convertible. It didn't fit well and we were advised by the hospital to replace it. We have both the Britax Marathon and Boulevard and have been happy. Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 25, 2010, at 5:59 PM, " R. Fiegel" <laura.fiegel@...> wrote:

Thanks for that info! I just read it... one thing I didn't see addressed was carseats... does it make any difference? Thanks again!NIck Guthe <nickguthe@...> wrote:>Just as a jumping off point- I put together a "What to Expect on the first >day..." document that is on the home page of www.infantilescoliosis.org on the >left side in the blue links. It includes bathing tips, etc...ask away on >anything not in there. I'm sure parents will

chime in on the specifics of AL.>> Heidi, Bexon's Mommy, (3 years old, in 8th cast from Salt Lake City Shriners, >currently down from 62 degrees to 20 in cast)>>>>>________________________________>From: <laura.fiegel@...>>infantile scoliosis treatment >Sent: Wed, August 25, 2010 1:09:16 PM>Subject: Casting Questions>> >First, I spoke with Dr. K's nurse (in AL)... she said Pierce is a prime >candidate because of his age. I am in the process of getting his xrays and >emailing them over. If Dr. K determines his case is progressive (an RVAD of 20+) >then we'll head to AL!>>Second... for those of you that have started casting, can you tell me more about >- what to expect? I know they go into the OR - I am assuming you leave same day >(like w/in a few hrs)? How is it with clothing? Carseats? Etc... thanks!>>> >>>

August 26, 2010

Great point Tasha. My mom uses an Evenflo for Will but a model they no longer make. Most hospitals have a carseat specialist that will help. That is how we found out the 3 we purchased prior to casting wouldn't work. Ugh!Sent from my iPhoneOn Aug 25, 2010, at 6:34 PM, Tasha Fontenot <ryanswalk@...> wrote:

And we are the total opposite.......we had a plain jane Eddie Bauer carseat from Target the whole time was in casts for 14 months.....we never changed it and he did fine.

I think the main thing is to make sure you check on it before you leave the hospital. I mean have your child sit in the seat and maybe go for a test drive in the parking lot.

Good luck! TashaMommy of 5 year old twin boys- and Fort Worth, Texas is treated at Texas ish Rite Hospital in Dallas, TexasSeries of 6 casts for 14 months followed by bracing since September 2007You can read 's story at.... http://www.infantilescoliosis.org/stories.html

From: Chad And Catie <chadandcatie@...>"infantile scoliosis treatment " <infantile scoliosis treatment >Sent: Wed, August 25, 2010 6:22:38 PMSubject: Re: Casting Questions

Carseats for some have been an issue. Adelyn in Chicago had to leave the hospital with a loaner because the seat they bought didn't work after cast. She prompted us to start fundraising for Britax seats here in ville. We made a carseats for casters flyer and acquired 4 Britax marathon seats. Some new and a couple used in mint condition and certified by a specialist. Adelyn got her pretty seat as well as another friend in Chicago. We gave the NIB seats to the hospital and have 5 more in the works we will give to the hospital or other casters who might need one. We are several weeks out or I would offer one.

Britax Boulevard and Marathon are convertible and the straps and angles are a nice fit for casters. Evenflow makes a convertible seat as well as several others. Our first seat was an Alpha Omega convertible. It didn't fit well and we were advised by the hospital to replace it. We have both the Britax Marathon and Boulevard and have been happy. Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 25, 2010, at 5:59 PM, " R. Fiegel" <laura.fiegel@...> wrote:

Thanks for that info! I just read it... one thing I didn't see addressed was carseats... does it make any difference? Thanks again!NIck Guthe <nickguthe@...> wrote:>Just as a jumping off point- I put together a "What to Expect on the first >day..." document that is on the home page of www.infantilescoliosis.org on the >left side in the

blue links. It includes bathing tips, etc...ask away on >anything not in there. I'm sure parents will

chime in on the specifics of AL.>> Heidi, Bexon's Mommy, (3 years old, in 8th cast from Salt Lake City Shriners, >currently down from 62 degrees to 20 in cast)>>>>>________________________________>From: <laura.fiegel@...>>infantile scoliosis treatment >Sent: Wed, August 25, 2010 1:09:16 PM>Subject: Casting Questions>> >First, I spoke with Dr. K's nurse (in AL)... she said Pierce is a prime >candidate because of his age. I am in the process of getting his xrays and >emailing them over. If Dr. K determines his case is progressive (an RVAD of 20+) >then we'll head to AL!>>Second... for those of you that have started casting, can you tell me more about >- what to expect? I know they go into the OR - I am assuming you leave same day >(like w/in a few hrs)? How is it with clothing? Carseats? Etc...

thanks!>>> >>>

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August 26, 2010

We go to Childrens Hospital in AL and they never even talked to us about carseats when we left. Lucky for us, we have a Britax and she fit just fine. I just don't want you to go and expect someone to help you fit her in the seat. We walked out of outpatient surgery with her in a stroller on our own. But I live in Birmingham so if you need anything I'm here. AlyssaSent from my iPhone 4On Aug 25, 2010, at 7:02 PM, Chad And Catie <chadandcatie@...> wrote: