She was referred by a New Jersey upper extremity physician, who realized that the specialized surgery she needed should be performed by Dan Zlotolow, M.D., at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia.
Annabel is a gymnast and unfortunately suffered an osteochondritis dissecans lesion in her left elbow that required an osteochondral autograft transfer system procedure on her left knee and elbow. Dr. Zlotolow performed the surgery and it was successful. Dr. Zlotolow said, “Annabel had the equivalent of a 'pothole' in her elbow joint. We used a camera to look inside the joint, and then filled in the hole with a plug of cartilage from the knee. She worked really hard to get back her motion and strength so she could return to gymnastics.”
Annabel shared a special experience she had while at the hospital for a follow-up visit: “A couple months after my surgery, Dr. Zlotolow brought me into another patient’s room, also a gymnast, and about a month behind me in the recovery from the same surgery I had. It was a really meaningful experience to me to be able to speak with someone who I could relate to, and I hoped I helped her look forward to when she was recovered.”
Each and every member of the staff truly cares about the patients.
Annabel’s medical journey combined with her interest in science led her to delve deeper into her passion. Annabel saw information about the 2025 Summer Research Immersion Program at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia and filled out an application to participate. She was selected and was excited to partake in the combination of professional medical lectures, hands-on labs, research projects and shadowing of medical professionals. This was especially enriching for Annabel, as it marked her first step to pursuing a career in medicine.
For fun, Annabel enjoys participating in gymnastics, both with a club team and her high school team. She was able to return to the sport she loves as a result of the successful surgery at our hospital. She is also a part of her town’s EMS squad, and is even pursuing her EMT certification this summer. She plays the viola in her high school orchestra, which was another reason she was grateful to have the surgery on her elbow, as she needs proper extension to play. In addition, she is a peer minister at her church, and she volunteers her time at a summer camp for children with cancer and blood disorders. Annabel is a model student who excels in a variety of activities, and she is an inspiration to others to persevere through setbacks.
Annabel said of Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, “…each and every member of the staff truly cares about the patients. Shriners’ mission is so special in the way it prioritizes not only patient health, but happiness and confidence as well. This organization’s focus on children and its work to make care accessible and affordable for all is so important. The hospital develops innovative and ground-breaking surgeries that make true differences in kids’ lives – like mine.”
Annabel is a new Patient Ambassador, and said, “As a Patient Ambassador, I want to help other patients and promote a hospital that gave me a huge part of my life back.”
Young Annabel shows off her gymnastics medals.
Annabel performs a gymnastics skill on the floor.
Annabel lounges on the couch, wearing her signed cast after surgery.
Annabel practices an osteotomy on a bone model with Terry Ishmael, M.D.
