Adriana grew up watching her older sister, Ariadna, navigate the challenges of hip dysplasia and other orthopedic conditions. From special braces and custom-fitted boots to various corrective treatments, Ariadna's medical journey was a familiar part of family life. What Adriana didn't know was that her own health journey was about to take an unexpected turn.
During an annual physical with her pediatrician, Adriana's mom, Yirina, was caught by surprise to learn that it was Adriana who would soon face life-altering surgery. "I am no longer worried about Ariadna," she recalled the doctor saying. "Adriana has a serious scoliosis curve. You need to see a specialist as soon as possible."
Faced with an unexpected diagnosis, Yirina began searching for the best possible care for her daughter. After a few recommendations and a referral from another pediatric hospital, Adriana's parents decided to knock on the doors of Nicklaus Children's Hospital Orthopedic, Sports Medicine & Spine Institute. The institute is a specialized destination for spine care, treating conditions ranging from scoliosis to the most complex spinal disorders, and performs more spine surgeries than any other pediatric facility in South Florida.
“Scared, nervous and anxious about this big step for my daughter, I wasn't sure if we were making the right choice. This is a major surgery that we didn't know what to expect,” said Yirina. “What I did know and what comforted me was the attention, the explanation of details, and the time Dr. Jaime Gomez's team took with us. They made sure I knew what was going to happen and assured me that in his hands, the only outcome was the best one.”
After five hours of surgery, Adriana was out of the operating room, and within 24 hours she was already walking on her own.
“Adriana did very well, and her recovery progressed just as we hoped,” said Dr. Jaime Gomez, spine surgeon. “At Nicklaus Children's Hospital, our decisions are made with one goal in mind, getting these kids back on their feet healthier and stronger. In many children, scoliosis can become more noticeable during periods of rapid growth, even when they do not have pain or other symptoms. Adriana's curve was significant and surgery gave us the opportunity to safely straighten and stabilize her spine.”
Although Adriana never experienced pain, she notices a difference in her posture and the way her clothes fit since surgery. “I feel good, I have no pain and I'm glad we did this. The staff was very comforting, and their care and attention made me feel at home,” Adriana reflected on her experience at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.
“I always thought it would be my sister, little did I know it would end up being me.”
Dr. Jaime Gomez is a pediatric spine surgeon who sees patients at the Nicklaus Children's locations in Davie and Miramar. Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Center for Spinal Disorders, part of the Orthopedic, Sports Medicine & Spine Institute, is nationally and internationally recognized for spine care for children and teens up to age 21. The program offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, from observation and bracing to advanced surgical options, with access to pediatric spine specialists and care teams focused on supporting recovery and achieving the best possible outcomes.