At Shriners Children's Spokane, every child's journey is unique, and success can look different in many ways.
One inspiring patient is Mason, a spirited 10-year-old boy living with cerebral palsy. Determined to help him walk better using his left leg, Mason's parents explored orthopedic care at Shriners Children's Spokane in the fall of 2022. Little did they know their decision would expand treatment options and shape Mason’s future.
A Comprehensive Approach to Care
Upon arriving at Shriners Children's Spokane, Mason and his parents were greeted with warmth and compassion. Staff wasted no time getting to work. Thanks to the cutting-edge facilities available at the hospital, Mason was able to undergo a motion analysis center study that same day.
Mapping the Path to Progress
The motion analysis center at Shriners Children's Spokane is a state-of-the-art facility that utilizes advanced technology to evaluate a child's movement patterns and identify areas for improvement. For Mason, this study provided crucial insights into his unique gait and helped guide the development of his personalized treatment plan.
“It’s hard for providers to understand everything that is going on at once with Mason’s gait,” said Ted Sousa, M.D., a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with a fellowship in cerebral palsy. “The motion analysis center helps us break down his gait (pelvis, hip, knee, ankle and foot) in segmental analysis and come up with a surgical plan to address all of those components.”
Collaborating With the Best
Under the skilled guidance of Dr. Sousa, Mason underwent a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing his mobility. Dr. Sousa and his team meticulously worked towards the goal of improving Mason's ability to walk, enabling him to perform simple tasks like navigating stairs and putting on shoes and socks with ease.
The specialized care and the use of the motion analysis center have not only improved Mason’s life in the present, but also spared him from enduring multiple surgeries and lengthy recoveries in the future.