Need Second Opinion

[Manuela]

I have a 12 year ago daughter with a S curvature. She wore a brace from age 8 to 9. Had Spinal Fusion at age 9. Wore a brace for another 2 years. Age 11 they tried to put in Harrington Rods and during surgery her nervous system shut down. She was fused from C1 to L1 again.
Now they want to break the fusion and cut out wedges from her spine to relieve pressure on the nerves and try the Rods again.

I don't know what to do??????? :confused:

She is at the best hospital in Canada - The Hospital for Sick Kids - Toronto.
She has 2 doctors Dr. B. Alman and Dr. Lewis from Toronto Western Hospital.

I am thinking of getting a second opinion in the states - But where?????

Can someone direct me to an excellent doctor.
Thanks
Manuela

[Abbyjo_21]

One of the best hospitals in the US in the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. Its in southern minnesota, but its not that far from canada. I went there for my fusions. I never had a second opionin when i was told i needed surgery because i guess i just trusted them. I have Dr. Mark Dekutoski M.D. and i guess i think hes pretty darn good. Im not sure what other doctors up there do things with scoliosis but you could go to www.mayoclinic.com and look in there to see what all doctors there are. When they first refered me they told me about a surgeon in Iowa City thats suppose to be pretty good too...but we chose to go with mayo. Hope i could be of some help!
Let me know if you want any more info.
Abby

[flowerpower]

I have heard on this forum and elsewhere that Dr. Boachie-Adjie is one of the best of the best. I believe he is affiliated with the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

[Abbyjo_21]

I was talking to my mom last night and she said that Iowa City, Iowa does have the best of the best.
But mayo it really good too.

[nikyergen]

Manuela,
Shriners Hospital are incredible. They only do orthopedic surgery. They have specialists for these kinds of surgeries. I highly recommend them. We are very pleased with the treatments all three of our kids get from them.

'til later,
Nikki

[Manuela]

Thank you Abbyjo, Flowerpower & Nikyergen for your replies.
Someone else told me about the Shriners Hospitals and we have one in Montreal.
I am going to try there first.
If that doesn't work out, I will be looking to my neighbors.
Thanks again for your replies.

Manuela :)

[LindaRacine]

Hi Manuela...

I definitely think you should get an opinion at Shriners. I though I'd let you know that I know that Dr. Lewis has very good credentials, as he trained in the U.S. under one of our most respected specialists, Keith Bridwell.

Good luck!

Regards,
Linda

[LeaEvelyn]

Hi Manuela,
All the places that everyone is saying, I also agree are extremely good. But in case you are interested. My son goes to a really great surgeon in the Detroit area of Michigan. There are several surgeons in this building. They do have a web site, if you want to look them up. It is www.oaklandortho.com , what you are discribing sounds like something they could help you with. Good luck with your decision making.
LeaEvelyn

[violinprincess3]

i had my surgery done at CHOP (children's hospital of philadelphia) which is supposively one of the best hospitals in the world. it's in southeast pennsylvania

[malka22]

Hi. I just sent you a private message, but just in case you don't receive it, my question is whether your doctor at CHOP is Dr. Drummond. My 13 yr. old daughter has a 2nd opinion set up with him on March 15th & I'm wondering if we should keep that appt. She is under the care of Dr. Bowen at duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE & is wearing a Wilmington Jacket 23/7 since Feb. 8th. We're giving the brace a try while she's still growing & hoping she won't need surgery. I'm not sure what exactly the 2nd opinion would be for. It's clear that she needs the brace. She has an S-curve of 45T/32L. Any thoughts?
Thank you,
Martha