Shriners Children’s Spokane Patient Inspires Scoliosis Support Group

Patients at Shriners Children’s Spokane can expect wrap-around care throughout their scoliosis journey.

And thanks to a teen patient, girls now have extra support for understanding and navigating their scoliosis diagnoses.

Claire has been a patient at Shriners Children's Spokane since her 13th birthday. It was during a visit to her grandparents' house, while learning to dive, that her mother noticed something was amiss. Claire’s shoulder popped out at an odd angle. Concerned, her parents immediately scheduled an appointment at Shriners Children’s Spokane to see the region's pediatric spine specialists.

Doctors confirmed the presence of scoliosis through the help of imaging. They learned that the primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10-15 years old, and girls are eight times more likely than boys to develop a curve. The medical staff advised Claire and her parents that she would need spinal fusion surgery in the upcoming months to correct the curve in her spine. The diagnosis was a bit scary for Claire and came as she navigated a new middle school. Luckily, she met a girl there who had recently undergone the same surgery. This newfound friend became Claire's guiding light, providing invaluable advice and support, leading her through the unknown.

Taking a few months off from school, Claire had her surgery, led by Shriners Children's Spokane pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Bryan Tompkins, M.D. The fusion procedure was a success, allowing her to participate in all her favorite activities. Shriners Children’s Spokane pediatric orthopedic surgeons perform an average of 70-75 spinal surgeries every year! After a period of recovery, Claire returned to school, playing tennis and engaging in physical education classes with newfound confidence.