Maddy Gonzalez Maddy’s Spinal Fusion

Several years ago Maddy was diagnosed with scoliosis. We went saw an orthopedic yearly to keep an eye on her curve. It always was around 20°. This last June at her yearly appointment she measured at 25°. She had been complaining of back pain so she started physic therapy. During therapy her pain became very severe. In October we took her for another X-ray, her curve had changed to 45°. We took her for a few orthopedics for their opinion on how to treat her. She began Schroth Therpay as well as physical therapy. In November her curve was 47°, earlier in March it was 49° and today it is at 50°. Her daily pain is between 8-10 out of 10. 


With the curve rapidly changing and the amount of pain she is in surgery is the best option. April 2 Maddy will have surgery at Shriners Hospital in Chicago. The plan is to fuse 6 vertebrae and install rods and screws to prevent the curve from getting worse. The great news is she is very flexible and her traction X-rays show that her spine will straighten with hopefully little curve. Fusion of 6 vertebrae is considered a “small” surgery according to her surgeon. 


We will check in to Shriners on April 1 and expect to stay until the 6th. The second and third she will be in PICU. Once she is back on the regular inpatient floor she is able to have visitors. Unfortunately due to the flu Shriners is restrcting all visitors under 18. We can also arrange Skype or FaceTime visits.  


Rick and I will be staying at the hospital with her until she is able to come home. I will update this site frequently. We all will have our cell phones so please feel free to reach out to us anytime. 


Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, especially on the first. I also ask that her medical team be kept in your prayers on surgery day.