Kelly , and her father , Randy , turned to family medicine physician Olin Fearing , MD , in Nacogdoches , who said , “ If this was my child , I ’ d take her to Scott & White .” The Smithharts , wanting to do whatever it took to help their daughter , drove to Scott & White the following week .
Robert Probe , MD , stepped in to help . He is the chairman of the Scott & White Healthcare Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Roney Institute . Dr . Probe diagnosed a developmental anomaly in Madyson ’ s upper arm bone that caused her growth plate to stop functioning , resulting in her left arm being six inches shorter than her right one , and her shoulder rotated 90 degrees from where it should have been . He and a multidisciplinary pediatric specialty team at McLane Children ’ s Hospital fashioned an innovative , complex plan to treat Madyson , with much planning and collaboration to help the young patient . Dr . Probe led the team through Madyson ’ s surgery in March 2012 , repositioning the shoulder and implanting an external frame in the little girl ’ s arm to lengthen the arm to normal size and shape . For four months , Madyson wore the device ,
which required screws to be rotated several times a day . This was extremely painful . But true to form , Madyson
Madyson Smithhart ( seated ) is surrounded by her supportive family . From left , Alexis , Payden , Randy and Kelly Smithhart .
tolerated it like a champ . “ Madyson is proud of her battle scars ,” says Mrs . Smithhart . “ And we ’ re so proud of her .”
“ Madyson ’ s situation was unique , and she handled it bravely ,” says
Dr . Probe . “ Because of her young age and continuing normal growth on her opposite side , thinking through this problem required the expertise of a pediatric and trauma orthopaedist . It also required the experience of pediatric anesthesiologists and radiologists . It was a team effort .”
As it turns out , it was worth all the effort . “ I was excited to be able to swim this past summer ,” Madyson says . “ My arm feels good . Basketball is good . It ’ s so fun to play , and now it ’ s easier than before .” Her younger siblings , Alexis , age 11 , and Payden , age 7 , are trying to keep up with their big sister , who also keeps Dr . Probe up to date on her game by sending him photos .
Ironically , the left wing of the basketball court is one of the “ shoulder ” positions , located halfway between the corner of the court and the free-throw line . As Madyson entered Woden High School this fall , the left wing was back in action , striking fear into the hearts of the competition and scoring big . n
Dr . Probe is a professor of surgery at the Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine .
Learn more about Madyson ' s incredible journey and how you can contribute to the Roney Institute . sw . org | November 13 The Catalyst 21