You're Looking at A Survivor
Pediatric Orthopaedic Program
Eight-year-old Gabriel is accustomed to maneuvering through life with wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and other equipment. These are necessary tools for someone recovering from limb deformity surgeries, and so far, Gabey has had five.
He was only 6 months old when he had two reconstructive operations on his clubfeet. Since then, he has had two operations to lengthen an abnormally short leg, and another to treat hip dysplasia, a painful deformity of the ball-and-socket joint that can cause permanent disability if not corrected.
Throughout his entire life, says his mother Sheri, Gabey has had outstanding pediatric orthopaedic surgeons: Michael Jofe, MD; Randolph Cohen, MD; Neal McNerney, MD; and Stephen Storer, MD, all on the medical staff of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Hospital Miramar.
"It’s the most caring doctor’s office I’ve ever been in," says Sheri. "When I’m there, I’m never afraid, because I know the doctors are experienced at what they do. My son wouldn’t be walking if it weren’t for them."
Sophisticated Surgical Techniques
Gabey’s most recent operation was performed by Dr. McNerney, a specialist in the treatment of complex limb deformities and leg length discrepancies. To lengthen Gabey’s right leg, Dr. McNerney first cut the femur, the large bone that runs from the hip to the knee, then surgically inserted several pins into the upper and lower sections of the bone. Post-operatively, using computer-generated recommendations, Dr. McNerney performed the correction by precisely increasing the distance between the pins over a several-month period. Using this advanced technique, Dr. McNerney is able to achieve more accurate corrections of limb deformities than were possible in the past, and can also adjust the correction in the post-operative period.
With only two or three more operations needed to repair his leg, Gabey looks forward to a young adulthood free of pain and disability. In the meantime, says Sheri, he enjoys a special bond with the professionals who have treated him since infancy.
"When Gabey was 6, he asked Dr. Jofe when he was retiring, and Dr. Jofe said, ‘Not until your leg is better,’" says Sheri. "I’m so thankful there’s a doctor like him."
"And I’m so thankful to know a child like Gabey who is brave and cheerful despite all he’s been through," says Dr. Jofe. "He is an inspiration to all of us who care for him."
For referral to a physician for your child, please call Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Physician Referral Service toll-free at (866) JDCH-DOC. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
