Orthopedics Patient Stories

On April 22, 2018, Aiden was admitted with osteomyelitis – an infection in the bone – that started in his right knee then moved to his left ankle.

“I told Dr. Willey I had a goal to get back to dance, do track, and play softball. He was great to me. He told me if I followed his orders, I would get back and do those.”

"So thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this magnificent gift you've given us."

"Our family will forever be grateful for the care and love that was shown to not only Braden but also to his entire family."

In December 2014, then-13-year-old Parker Kress was experiencing pain in his right ankle and swelling in his calf. He was taken to a local emergency room, where an ultrasound found a mass on his ankle.

Carley was rushed by helicopter to UI Stead Family Children's Hospital in September 2015 after a farm accident nearly severed both of her legs below the knees. She had also sustained a broken arm and a large cut on her scalp.

Makayla was born three weeks premature at UI Stead Family Children's Hospital with additional birth defects. The doctors diagnosed her with OEIS syndrome, which occurs in just one of 300,000 infants. Once Makayla was born, a team of pediatric specialists worked together to develop a plan of care and she had her first surgery at just five days old.

Will Imbus was one of the first children in Iowa to benefit from a unique technology that reduces the number of surgical procedures for early-onset scoliosis patients. Read more about Will's story.

Liam was born with thrombocytopenia-absentradius, a rare genetic disorder resulting in missing bones in both of his arms. He came to UI Stead Family Children's Hospital when he was 2 months old for the specialized pediatric expertise needed to care for his unique condition. Prior to coming to UI Stead Family Children's Hospital, Liam’s arms were positioned in 90-degree angles. Surgeons were able to reposition his arms to 45-degree angles, which has lengthened Liam’s arms and allowed him to play sports like flag football, basketball, and baseball.

Faith was transferred to the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit when she was five days old. She had multiple organ failure, bleeding on the brain and gastrointestinal issues. In her 10 years of care at UI Stead Family Children's Hospital, she has been seen by doctors and nurses in 17 different areas.