Casting older kids

[Guest guest]

Hi! I'm just wondering what the consensus is for casting older kids? is

currently STILL in her " summer " brace after 3 casts. She is 4.5 years old and

had her first cast at 3 years 4 months. I'm still holding out some hope of

possibly getting her into another cast, but I'm wondering if she'll be too old?

Quick summary of Miss :

~ Diagnosed at 8 months w/ 45* curve STANDING UP.

~ Went to Erie, PA Shriners at 12 months. Supine x-ray showed 25* curve, almost

0 rotation. Dr. S thoroughly evaluated her and determined that she would " very

likely " self-resolve. Told to watch with periodic x-rays.

~ By age 2.5, realized that curve and rotation were increasing.

~ Our new, local pediatric ortho doc, Dr. M, consulted with Dr. S and both

determined she would be a good candidate for Mehta casting.

~ Cast #1 in December 2009 (age 3 years, 4 months) by Dr. M. 35* curve/25*

rotation before cast.

~ Cast #3 in June 2010, down to 10*/0 rotation in cast. Fitted for summer brace.

Planned to cast #4 in Fall 2010.

~ In " summer " brace (TLSO modified for some rotation correction) August 2010 -

present.

~ MOST AWESOME Dr. M had contract issues with the hospital and is now between

contracts and unsure where/when/IF he'll return to practice in the area.

~ Appointment scheduled with new local pediatric ortho doc who is familiar with

Mehta casting, but does not apply them. Would more than likely have to travel

out of state if any future casts would be appropriate (or hold out some possible

hope that Dr. M would come back!).

So, what is the oldest age that a child can get correction with a Mehta cast?

We'll meet with this new doc, but more than likely, he will not be recommending

casting. Would it be advisable for us to also meet with a " casting " doc to see

his/her opinion, or would it basically be a waste of time because of 's

age?

Thanks so much!

~ : )

Mom to (age 4.5y) and 5 boys (ages 11m - 14y)