Jackson High School sophomore Logan Elliott has overcome many obstacles throughout his short 16 years. Born with club feet, amniotic banding syndrome in his hands and feet, and kyphosis (a spinal disorder where the forward bend of the spine is excessive), his first surgery at 6 months old fused the vertebrae in his spine to […]
Scoliosis surgery helps Alliance woman net college dream
Growing up, Zoey Peck was an active, sports-minded child who hit all the normal milestones everyone expected she would. A competitive volleyball player throughout her childhood and adolescence, Zoey set her sights on playing at the collegiate level – and she had the talent to do so. “Zoey played volleyball at Marlington High School in […]
Dr. Todd Ritzman teaches ‘Geometry in Orthopedics’ for healthcare academy students
Students often wonder why they need to know algebra or geometry. “They ask when am I going to use it outside these four walls?” says Thomas Jefferson. For the past year, Thomas has been helping answer that question. He is the Akron Children’s Hospital liaison for the hospital’s partnership with Akron Public Schools’ College & Career […]
New process for scoliosis surgery gives Chloe a reason to cheer
When she takes center stage, Chloe Mershimer is standing a little taller these days. Six months ago, the 15-year-old dancer and cheerleader from New Middletown had a spinal fusion to correct scoliosis or curvature of the spine. Now after making a full recovery, she’s 1 ¼ inches taller and able to fully resume the activities […]
Idiopathic scoliosis is serious, treatable condition (VIDEO)
Although there are typically no signs or symptoms, a severe curvature of the spine can affect a teen’s quality of life as they grow into adulthood.
Do heavy backpacks cause long-term back problems? 8 tips for safe backpack use (Infographic)
As a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Akron Children’s Hospital, Dr. Todd Ritzman is frequently asked whether his patients’ spinal problems, such as scoliosis, are caused by carrying heavy backpacks at school.
