Lunely was born with arthrogryposis, a rare condition that left her with limitations in her arms, deformities in her knees, and severe clubfoot. At just 3 years old, Lunely came to LuskinOIC and was appointed to Dr. Scaduto and Dr. Silva. Under their expert care, Lunely underwent multiple surgeries and did bilateral casting (23 hours a day) for several weeks. Because of the exceptional care offered at LuskinOIC, Lunely is now starting to mobilize with the help of a walker and has gained some independence.

Mateo is in kindergarten, a great student, and loves talking with friends. Because he tends to finish his classwork very quickly, his teacher asks him to help his classmates. He loves it! He has been an ICP patient for 1 year. In January 2023, his first surgery in January 2023 aimed to correct a leg deformity. LuskinOIC CEO Dr. Scaduto will continue to monitor the correction so that Mateo can continue to grow, learn, and play with friends.

Scarlett was born with her twin brother via emergency C-section at 32 weeks. At 6 months old, Scarlett had a brain MRI which revealed Moderate Central Brain Atrophy. Scarlett was appointed to Dr. Rachel Thompson who not only treated her but also got to know her interests such as her dream of owning a bakery, her love for singing, and that her favorite princess is Aurora. Dr. Thompson did a bilateral reconstruction of the pelvis, hips, and knees. After a long and painful recovery, Scarlett states that “it was all worth it” and was grateful for Dr. Thompson and LuskinOIC.

Valentina was born with multiple deformities in her feet and spine and had some neurological problems. Living in Mexico, obtaining the care she needed was very difficult. Luckily for her, her family found the International Children’s Program at LuskinOIC. At the age of 2 years old, she was able to receive evaluation and begin treatment in our clubfoot clinic for her bilateral feet deformity, and in our scoliosis clinic for her curved spine. The first order of business for her treatment plan included 2 surgeries for her foot deformity, which significantly facilitated her mobility. She has recently started her scoliosis treatment. With the help of LuskinOIC, Valentina’s dream of becoming a veterinarian, as well as one day visiting New York, can truly happen.

Victoria was born with congenital scoliosis, a severe spine deformity. When her family was consulted when Victoria was at the age of 3, they were told that, if left untreated, the severity of the spine deformity would likely increase and lead to cardiac and respiratory issues, as well as a lot of pain. Given her young age, she started her treatment with a trial of casting to prevent curve progression, coming to LuskinOIC every 3 months for the past 3 years. She has been able to grow very well. Soon, she will reach the age when she can finally undergo a magnetic lengthening surgery. 

Allison has been an ICP patient for 5 years. LuskinOIC doctors had followed her spine deformity progression twice a year. Due to rapid progression, Dr. Bowen decided to perform surgery in October 2022. The surgery has been a life changing event and Allison no longer feels pain. There is evident correction of the spine and her mom shares that Allison feels more confident in school. Having recently started dancing classes at school, she looks forward to dancing with her friends in the upcoming spring recital.

Karen has been a patient for 4 years due to significant tibia rotation, knee deformity, and leg length discrepancy. As a result, she experienced difficulty walking and overall limited mobility. Due to worsening pain, and after gait analysis carried out at the UCLA Motion Laboratory, Dr. Thompson performed a surgery in 2020. For her recovery, she received a reverse walker, as well braces and physical therapy. She is now able to walk to the park, play with her brother and friends, and be more independent at school. Karen loves coloring and dreams of becoming a veterinarian.