Bracing and X-rays

[JessicaNoVa]

I'm curious about what others have experienced. My DD goes to Johns Hopkins every six months for an x-ray. She's only out of her brace for the actual x-ray. Would it be more accurate to have an x-ray after 24 hours of being out-of-brace?

I plan on asking the PA we've been seeing before my daughter's next appointment in May but I wanted to see what others do first. (I wish I was more impressed with the PA but she really seems to gloss over a lot of stuff)

Thanks.

[mariaf]

The protocol used at Shriners in Philly (and most other places as far as I know) is 24-48 hours out of the brace prior to x-ray. Dr. Betz once told me that is the only way to get an accurate measurement.

Hope this helps.

[Pooka1]

While you do have to take a 23/hour/day brace off at least 24 hours before a radiograph to get an accurate reading, you don't have to do so with night-time braces per our surgeon.

And then there is Spinecor who does all radiographs in-brace. Wonder why.

[mamandcrm]

Yes, she should be out of brace for at least 24 hours prior to her x-ray if she is in a full-time brace. The surgeon we see feels that is not necessary with a night-time only brace (at least the dedicated night-time braces) but we always skip the night before anyway so there is no mistake about what we are seeing (especially as her x-rays are always early in the morning).

[mamandcrm]

Just for your info, if it turns out you are not satisfied with with seeing the PA at Johns Hopkins, we have had an overall very good experience at the Children's National annex in Northern Virginia (now called National Children's Specialists, I think, but still affiliated with the hospital). Takes a while to get an appointment because our ortho at least is only there one day a week, and in DC the rest of the week, but you just need to call well in advance.

[JessicaNoVa]

Just for your info, if it turns out you are not satisfied with with seeing the PA at Johns Hopkins, we have had an overall very good experience at the Children's National annex in Northern Virginia (now called National Children's Specialists, I think, but still affiliated with the hospital). Takes a while to get an appointment because our ortho at least is only there one day a week, and in DC the rest of the week, but you just need to call well in advance.

Thanks, mamandcrm. I put in a request for an appointment. It would certainly be a lot closer than driving to Baltimore.

[mamandcrm]

Great. We see Dr. Blakemore there. My only big issue has been with the x-ray procedures but I have worked that out with the doctor. They don't routinely shield ovaries out of concern for blocking the image of the growth plates but I talked with the doctor about my strong feelings about it, purchased my own apron shield, and learned how to put it on (Dr. Blakemore positioned it the first time and a surgeon friend of mine coached me on it further). I now have the doctor write on the x-ray order that shields must be used and that I will bring it. So it can be managed if that's a concern you share. I have found her very receptive to hearing me out on various things.