Annual Report 2023-2024

Ellen Raney, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Children’s Portland, sees many kids with conditions affecting bone strength and is excited to give patients like Waseem a better experience. “Weak bones in children could be from a genetic condition, or a condition associated with limited mobility,” said Dr. Raney. “So monitoring the status of bone density at any one point in time helps us understand how well the strengthening treatments for their bones are working.” Last year, Shriners Children’s Portland installed a DEXA Scan (dual X-ray absorptiometry), a bone density scanner that allows the specialists to have the best information before deciding on treatments. Portland is one of three other Shriners Children’s locations that have the DEXA Scan. Chicago, Canada and Texas also use this innovative technology. Tracy O’Brien, director of radiology at Shriners Children’s Chicago, touts the benefits having the DEXA Scan in house. “Not only does it allow us to follow our OI patients’ bone density and help with medication, it allows us to see the muscular dystrophy patients’ bone density and percentage of body fat. We can also monitor any patient with low bone density and those at risk for fractures, including spinal cord injuries.” Danelle Jensen, radiology supervisor at Shriners Children’s Texas, spoke to how the DEXA Scan benefits the patients they see. “Pediatric patients with genetic or acquired chronic diseases, poor nutrition and immobility can leave them vulnerable to fractures. The DEXA scanner

gives means to monitor bone health, skeletal fragility and occult (hidden) spinal fractures by providing the information doctors need to treat these patients. Along with clinical indications, this diagnostic tool is greatly needed at Shriners Children’s to help children increase bone strength and improve quality of life.” Surgeons work side by side A power team of surgeons at Shriners Children’s St. Louis shows that two is better than one, especially when each is fellowship trained, highly specialized and passionate about helping kids thrive. Lindley Wall, M.D., MSc, and Charles Goldfarb, M.D., both specialize in congenital upper extremity anomalies, traumatic injuries and nerve compression. Dr. Wall has additional expertise in cerebral palsy and brachial plexus birth injury, while Dr. Goldfarb specializes in adolescent athletes and sports injuries. “The value of being able to work together as two surgeons provides families the next level of care,” Dr. Wall said. Wyatt, who was born with an extra set of thumbs, is one patient who has benefited from this teamwork-makes-the-dream-work approach. Diagnosed with radial polydactyly and triphalangeal thumbs, Wyatt’s treatment plan included multiple surgeries.

54