A broken leg is a painful experience at any age. When an active teenager breaks a leg, it’s both physically and emotionally painful, just ask Madelynn Spite. “I am a pretty athletic person and very active at school, I’m always on the go. I am a varsity cheerleader and when I broke my leg right before the basketball season started, I was devastated.”
Madelynn and some friends were enjoying their Thanksgiving break by hitting the popular ice skating rink at Howard Park in South Bend, Indiana. While skating, Madelynn and her friend collided and fell on the ice. At first Madelynn laughed it off – as many young people would do. But when she stood up and realized how badly it hurt to walk she knew something was really wrong.
Responsive care when & where it’s needed
Madelynn’s mom, Allison, continues the story, “We were out of town and Madelynn texted us a picture of her leg. We knew it wasn’t good and she needed an x-ray immediately.” Madelynn’s grandfather took her to Medpoint on Ireland Road and they confirmed pretty quickly that it was a fracture. They put on a temporary cast that Saturday and on the following Monday, Beacon Bone & Joint called to set an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.
Turns out that Madelynn broke her fibula in two places and her tibia was shifted out of place as well. This type of injury couldn’t be fixed with a cast and rest; it required surgical repair. Within 72 hours of the accident the orthopedic surgeon at Beacon Bone & Joint had all Madelynn’s options ready for review.
therapy. It was clear from her initial meeting with the physician and all follow-up appointments that the team at Beacon were focused on Madelynn’s unique needs.
