Research Applied: Patient Profile

from Practice Update, Fall 2006

“When I was born, I was folded up like an accordion – and then the doctors unfolded me.”   -Ryan Haynes

Ryan’s mother Lisa says, “When you find out there is something wrong with your baby, you just pray he has a chance.” The Children’s Hospital Center for Gait and Movement Analysis gave Ryan, now 7, that chance.

Frank Chang, MD, and Dennis Matthews, MD, are co-medical directors of the Center for Gait and Movement Analysis. Dr. Chang, director of orthopedic Surgery, holds the Children’s Miracle Network/Helppie Family Chair in Orthopedic Movement Analysis. Dr. Matthews, PPAARDI*-in-Chief and chair of Rehabilitation Medicine, holds the Fischahs Chair in Pediatric Rehabilitation.

Working with Dr. Chang, Dr. James Carollo opted for a new surgical technique to treat Ryan’s arthrogryposis, a connective tissue disease. The new technique utilizes a device with rings and struts connected to Ryan’s bones. Ryan called them “pokies.”

The device saved Ryan’s legs. Today he still wears his braces to support his ankles and feet, but he can walk independently, play golf and is even learning to ski.

At any time, the Center for Gait and Movement Analysis (CGMA) has 10 to 15 interdisciplinary research studies in progress in movement analysis, including surgical outcome studies, medical and biomechanics research, upper extremity movement and motor control. As the only clinical gait analysis facility in Colorado , CGMA sees both children and adults for movement analysis related to the following conditions: cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, incomplete spinal chord injury and amputation. For more information about research studies in movement analysis, contact the Center for Gait and Movement Analysis by calling The Children's Hospital at 720-777-1234.

Cutting-edge technololgy at The Children’s Hospital Center for Gait and Movement Analysis helped doctors decide on the best treatment options for Ryan Hayes.

Reprinted with permission from The Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Philanthropic Support for The Children’s Hospital Research Institute Report to the Community 2006.