Norton Childrens Medical Center, Orthopedics

Kent L. Walker, D.O., COOL’s newest pediatric orthopedic surgeon

Kent L. Walker, D.O., pediatric orthopedic surgeon, has joined Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville. Dr. Walker earned his undergraduate degree from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee. He completed his residency at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, and a…

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Hip Services, Orthopedics

Hip dysplasia affects thousands of babies a year

When many people think of hip issues, an elderly person might come to mind. But every year, thousands of babies in the U.S. are born with hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is the medical term for a hip socket that doesn’t fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone. This allows the hip joint to…

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Cerebral Palsy, Orthopedics

New interactive technology makes physical therapy feel like a virtual reality game

Caleb McKenzie has been getting physical therapy for cerebral palsy since he was about 9 months old. Now 4, Caleb goes to therapy four times a week to master walking. “It is something the rest of us take for granted, and he has difficulty with every single step he takes,” said Laura K. Jacks, M.D.,…

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Orthopedics, Teens

Field hockey injuries rising with sport’s popularity

As field hockey gains popularity among Louisville and Southern Indiana teens, pediatric orthopedists are seeing more injuries. Hand and wrist fractures from balls or sticks, knee and ankle sprains, overuse injuries such as tendinitis and serious internal knee ligament and muscle tears are becoming more common, according to Jennifer M. Brey, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon…

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Back to School, Norton Childrens Hospital, Norton Childrens Medical Group, Orthopedics, Prevention & Wellness

Is your child’s backpack too heavy?

As the school year kicks off with that new backpack full of school supplies, now is the time to do a safety check on your child’s back. “Many students carry too much weight on their backs, opting to skip their lockers between classes and stuff all their books in their backpack,” said Joshua Meier, M.D.,…

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Limb Lengthening, Norton Childrens Hospital, Orthopedics, Patient Stories

After 36 surgeries, 20-year-old reaches medical milestone

Jerren Harrison is always smiling. But that grin is a little bigger now. The 20-year-old, who has undergone three dozen surgeries to help him grow properly, has completed his final leg-lengthening surgery. “It’s a great feeling because I know this is the end,” Jerren said. “I’ve been doing this since I was 2 years old.”…

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Fractures and Injuries, Norton Childrens Hospital, Orthopedics

What to do when your child has a bone fracture

It’s the season where kids are outside playing and, unfortunately, experiencing injuries such as a fracture, better known as a broken bone. Laura K. Jacks, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, answers common questions parents have when a child experiences a broken bone. What…

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Cancer, Orthopedics, Patient Stories, Sarcoma, Teens

Teen spreads positive attitude after bone cancer

“I did not know what to say when the doctor came and told me that I had cancer. I was like, ‘No, this can’t happen to me,’” Indarius Walker recently told a reporter. The 16-year-old was describing how he reacted to learning he had osteosarcoma. “Osteosarcoma is a form of cancer that primarily impacts those under age 25…

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Orthopedics, Scoliosis, Spine

Signs your child might have scoliosis

I remember coming home from school in tears one afternoon. Earlier that day, our sixth-grade class had received health screenings. After looking over my back, one of the examiners gave me some shocking news. “You probably need to see a doctor,” she said. “I think you have scoliosis.” I was terrified. I’d heard that some…

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Orthopedics, Scoliosis

Scoliosis: Early detection is key

“All I knew was that I had a cool curve in my spine,” Ellen Denham told her friends six years ago. At the time, Denham was diagnosed with scoliosis while having a physical exam for high school athletics at Presentation Academy. She didn’t understand the severity of the situation until later. “I went from doctor to doctor…

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Orthopedics, Teens

Congrats to COOL Kids Triathlon participants

Thanks to all the participants and families who attended this year’s COOL Kids Triathlon! Kids of all ages ran, biked and swam their way to finish a triathlon! Congratulations, and we hope you’ll join us for next year’s event! Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville Norton Children’s is a leader in pediatric orthopedic care. Our pediatric…

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Norton Womens & Childrens Hospital, Orthopedics, Technology

Norton Mobility Lab now available to help with gait issues

Norton Healthcare now has state-of-the-art technology for monitoring and correcting mobility issues associated with walking patterns, also called gait. The Norton Mobility Lab, located at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, creates a virtual reality experience for patients while tracking their walking pattern. The lab is designed to help pediatric and adult patients with gait issues…

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