Avery's Surgery

Meet 11 year old Avery, she was born with a genetic disorder called Arthrogryposis which literally means curving of joints. Sweet Avery is no stranger to medical procedures and surgeries. In fact, she has had 50+ procedures is her short life. One of Avery’s biggest hurdles is the scoliosis that has progressed to a point that is no longer safe for her. Avery’s family has worked diligently to seek out appropriate doctors and teams that can continue to give Avery the highest amount of autonomy. A recent series of events connected Avery’s family with a specialized children’s hospital in Delaware that deals with complex issues such as Avery’s. The concern is that Avery is about to reach her last growth spurt and there is a time crunch in doing any corrective options for her spine. The specialized team in Delaware has proposed that Avery undergo “Halo Traction” in order to stretch out her curved spine as much as possible and then fuse her spine in order to maintain what she has. Avery already has a rod in her back to manage the curvature and the rod has already broke once due to the pressure and had to be emergently replaced. With all that said, January 16, 2020 Avery will have halo traction placed under anesthesia along with detaching her current rod that has failed. The halo has 8 pins that attach (like a christmas tree stand) to her skull. Weights will immediately be put on through a pulley system. Avery will be in ICU then transitioned to inpatient for 3 weeks. She will have 24hr traction increasing the weights daily until reaching (hopefully) 1/2 her body weight. Each time she is moved she'll have to have a team move her and have neurological function checks to be sure there is not too much pressure causing any nerves to not work (eye movements, speech, limb function, etc) She will have access to a walker, toilet chair and wheelchair that traction can be hooked to so she can be mobile. Physical and Occupational Therapy will work with Avery 2 times daily Monday through Friday and once daily on the weekends. Avery will he attempting to do school daily while inpatient at the hospital. The second phase will take place on February 13, 2020 when they will do the final spinal fusion T2/T3 to L4/L5. Avery will go back to the ICU and hopeful to return home within about 5-10 days depending on her recovery. Avery’s mom works as a Physical Therapy Assistant and her dad is Active Duty Military. The military has been wonderful in covering the medical care that Avery is receiving however the hospital is 7 1/2 hours away from their home and it will be at least 2 months of time in the hospital. Avery’s mom will be out of work as she is not planning on leaving her side. I am asking for any amount small or large that you feel lead to give that will take any financial burden away so that their focus can be on Avery and her long road to recovery.