A medical breakthrough may spare a young cancer survivor from having to undergo one surgery after another as she gets older. It's a prosthetic device that can be expanded painlessly as her body grows.
Veronica Avila is only seven, so she has a lot more growing to do. But because she had bone cancer, doctors had to take out a large piece of her femur and replace it.
"It affected her growth plate, which is the area of the bone that children grow from. It's how the leg gets longer over time," said Dr. Sheila Conway of the University of Miami Health System.
But at Miami Children's Hospital, doctors found a device that can be expanded without the need for painful surgeries.
The medical breakthrough involves a prosthetic that can be expanded with non-invasive procedures. It will allow veronica's leg to grow without the need for several operations, which almost eliminates the possibility of future infections.
"Previously, the prosthesis that we'd put in had to be lengthened with a procedure in the operating room several times a year for the entire child's growth. In this case, we were able to put in a prosthesis that can be expanded over time with the use of an external magnet," said Conway.
Veronica's parents fought back tears, after the surgery, saying their daughter is cancer-free for the first time since her diagnosis -five months ago.
Her father says he is incredibly thankful for the breakthrough that helped save his daughter's life and for the donations that helped pay for the procedure.
Veronica is also feeling thankful. When asked about her Christmas list, she says she already got what she wanted: a chance at a cure.
Doctors say the process of expanding her prosthetic will not be painful for her and it only takes about 20 minutes each time.
Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
Health officials are investigating cases involving patients who suffered complications after being injected with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:27:37 GMT
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:11 GMT
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:51:47 GMT
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy.
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy. A study by the CDC released last week shows that one in every 20 kids is dealing with food allergies. It's a challenge, but doctors say it's important that kids get diagnosed and treated.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician. So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Drop in on your friend's Facebook pages and blogs and you'll probably see a lot of photos of their kids. Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:00:47 GMT
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across the United States and Canada. Click here for more on our local heroes!
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