Shriners Children's New England Newsletter

“When we learned Theo would need surgery, we were in shock and so devastated,” said Ellie. “Theo had all of the signs; less mobility on one side, limping and even legs of different lengths. It was difficult to understand how this was missed before. We were so overwhelmed but I will never forget the kindness, patience and reassurance that was shown to us that day. I knew we brought Theo to the best place to help her.” According to Dr. Pathy, surgery could help Theo avoid pain, limping, early degenerative changes in her hip or even a possible total hip replacement as a young adult. One week later, Dr. Pathy performed an open reduction and femoral osteotomy to shorten Theo’s thighbone to properly fit the bone into the socket. The day, Ellie recalls, was the longest and hardest day of her and her husband’s lives. “We were overwhelmed but the nurses and child life specialist, Annie, comforted us and kept us updated with each minute that passed.” Although not an easy decision for Theo’s parents, they know they made the right one for their family. “Surgery gave Theo the best possible chance to remain active, with as little pain as possible throughout her life,” said Ellie. Post operation, Theo wore a hip cast for nine weeks to assist in the healing process. She recently had this cast removed, and is now in a rhino brace, which she will wear for 20 hours a day for the next few months. According to Theo’s parents, she is already on the go and is as silly as ever - all thanks to Shriners Children’s. “I knew we brought Theo to the best place to help her.”

This summer, Lael M. Luedtke, M.D., joined the Shriners Children’s New England care team as medical director. Dr. Luedtke is an accomplished pediatric orthopedic surgeon with 22 years of experience. Most recently, she served as the medical director for Shriners Children’s Twin Cities. Dr. Luedtke earned her medical degree and completed her residency in orthopedic surgery from the University of Minnesota. She completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Luedtke is a member of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, the Scoliosis Research Society and the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. Areas of special interest to Dr. Luedtke include early onset scoliosis, surgery for cerebral palsy, hip replacement surgery and limb deficiencies. Dr. Luedtke’s family includes her husband, Gary, their Newfoundland dog, Lester, and several chickens and horses. WELCOME DR. LUEDTKE

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