Newsroom Hospital for Special Surgery

Surgery may be best treatment for idiopathic toe-walking in pediatric patients

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 20:34:00 -0500

Orthopedics Today reports on a study that was presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting by Emily R. Dodwell, MD, MPH, FRCSC, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at HSS that found that surgery may be the best treatment for moderate to severe contractures in pediatric patients who are idiopathic- toe walkers, according to results.

Read the full article at healio.com.

Watch Their Backs -- Don't Overload Those Schoolbags

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 18:06:00 -0400

HealthDay explains how to fit a backpack properly to prevent injury as kids head back-to-school, and includes guidance from HSS pediatric orthopedic surgeons Emily R. Dodwell, MD, MPH, FRCSC, and John S. Blanco, MD.

Dr. Dodwell said, “With a focus on getting back in the classroom and returning to 'normal,' it's easy to overlook possible injuries caused by everyday school supplies.”

She continued, “Backpacks might not seem that high on the list of safety hazards for children, but if too heavy or worn improperly, they can cause pain or injury to muscles and joints.”

Backpacks should never weigh more than 10% to 20% of a kids' body weight, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises. Dr. Blanco explained, “It's not uncommon for students to lug around 30 pounds, which is usually too heavy based on their body weight. Most families have a scale at home and can use it to weigh the backpack and take out items that are not needed for the school day.”

Drs. Dodwell and Blanco offered additional tips for selecting a backpack and keeping kids injury-free, including: choosing a backpack with wide padded shoulder straps and a padded back or waist strap, and teaching young people to pick up a backpack properly by bending at the knees.

Read the full article at Healthday.com.

Additional coverage: USnews.com.

Back to learning: Tips to avoid a heavy load.

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 13:15:00 -0400

Brandpoint shares backpack safety tips for students heading back to the classroom this fall and features guidance from HSS pediatric orthopedic surgeon Emily R. Dodwell, MD, MPH, FRCSC, who also is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) “Prevent Injuries Across America” campaign.

Dr. Dodwell said, “With a focus on getting back in the classroom and returning to ‘normal,’ it's easy to overlook possible injuries caused by everyday school supplies. Backpacks might not seem that high on the list of safety hazards for children, but if too heavy or worn improperly, they can cause pain or injury to muscles and joints. Some potential problems could include wearing the backpack on only one shoulder, or a small child carrying heavy objects like a textbook, tablet or computer.”

The AAOS recommended lightweight backpacks with a waist or chest strap and two shoulder straps that are wide and padded and to use it correctly.

It is important to also keep an eye on children throughout the school year to ensure they aren’t struggling to put on or take it off their backpack. Dr. Dodwell advised, “If a child complains that his or her bag is too heavy or is hurting his or her back, it is a good idea to lighten the load or consider a wheeled backpack.”

Read the full article at Brandpoint.com. Additional coverage: Chron.com and SFgate.com

Swaddling Safety 101

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 07:00:00 -0500

Stroller Traffic interviews Emily R. Dodwell, MD, MPH, FRCSC, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at HSS, on the safest ways to swaddle your newborn baby. While swaddling has been shown to reduce crying and promote sleep, it could harm an infant's hips if not done properly.

"Swaddling should allow ample room for the baby's legs to move, with plenty of space to bend the hips and knees," says Dr. Dodwell. "To ensure that baby has enough room for breathing, parents should be able to fit two or three of their fingers between the infant's chest and the blanket or sleep sack. The blanket or sleep sack should be loose enough on the legs that the baby's hips and knees can flex fully, and should have lots of room to move apart."

Read the full article at StrollerTraffic.com.

Swaddle with Care to Protect a Baby's Tiny Hips

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 07:00:00 -0500

RadioMD publishes a bylined article from Emily R. Dodwell, MD, MPH, FRCSC, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at HSS, on how to swaddle a baby safely.

Dr. Dodwell explains that while swaddling can help reduce crying and promote sleep, incorrect swaddling could harm an infant's small hips or cause him or her to develop hip dysplasia.

According to Dr. Dodwell, parents should be able to fit two or three fingers between the infant's chest and blanket while swaddling. It's also important to position a swaddled baby on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Read the full article at RadioMD.com.