On September 7, 2006, the car in which 4-year-old Lio Spinelli was riding with his mom, Sasha, was struck from behind by a lorry on the M2 motorway in Kent, England. The tragic accident took Sashas life and left Lio with critical brain and
leg injuries. Lio had a severe growth plate fracture with extension of the fracture into the joint surface, explains Roger F. Widmann, MD, Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery. Because of his more pressing brain injuries, the orthopedic issues were not immediately addressed. He healed with closure of the growth plate in his knee, causing a progressive
leg deformity. In addition, he had severe scarring inside his knee and the bone had healed in a position that wasnt optimal, limiting range of motion and making it difficult for him to walk or participate in any activities.. Surgeons overseas had recommended shortening Lios good
leg and stopping the growth on the injured
leg so that they would remain the same length. Lio and his father met with Dr. ...