Veronica Castillo had always been a bubbly and active 12-year-old child. She loved to dance and do art with her friends. However, her life took a sudden turn when she started experiencing numbness in her hands and feet and began falling frequently. When her mother noticed her shoulder blade protruding, she knew something was wrong.

They went to an orthopedic surgeon in their hometown of Los Angeles who diagnosed Veronica with scoliosis and a 60-degree curve in her spine. She was losing her ability to walk, and the pressure on her spinal cord was causing problems. The doctor referred them to the top-ranked pediatric orthopedic specialists at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego for surgery. It was a scary moment for Veronica and her family, but when they met Dr. Peter Newton and his team at Rady Children’s, they knew they were in the right place.

Dr. Newton is a renowned orthopedic surgeon at Rady Children’s, known for his expertise in treating spinal deformities and scoliosis. His dedication and compassion towards his young patients have made him a trusted name in pediatric orthopedic care. Dr. Newton is particularly known for his expertise in treating complex spinal deformities, like Veronica’s. He has developed several innovative surgical techniques that have been proven to be effective in correcting severe spinal curvatures. His approach to treating scoliosis focuses on minimizing the impact of the surgery on a child’s growth and development.

Dr. Newton recommended that Veronica have surgery to help correct her curve and get her moving again. The surgery was successful, but Veronica still had a long road ahead of her as she recovered. The rehab team worked with her every day to help her relearn how to walk. It was a slow process, but each day showed a little bit of progress. Veronica’s mother was grateful for the care her daughter received from Dr. Newton, the nurses, and the rehab team. She was amazed to see her daughter walking again, and she knew it wouldn’t have been possible without their help.

Dr. Newton and his team’s expertise in pediatric orthopedic care have earned them a reputation for excellence. Their patients and their families have testified to the exceptional care and compassion they have received at Rady Children’s Hospital. They have made a positive impact on the lives of countless children and their families, giving them hope and a better quality of life.

Veronica’s journey was a tough one, but with the right care, she was able to overcome her struggles. She was grateful to be able to return to her passion for dance and art with her friends. And she knew that she would always be thankful for Dr. Newton and his team for giving her a second chance at life.

To learn more about pediatric orthopedic services at Rady Children’s, and to support patients like Veronica, visit rchsd.org/programs-services/orthopedics-scoliosis/.