From Curve to Confidence: Madeline’s Journey Through Scoliosis and Recovery

Madeline Sparnecht’s days were full of movement. She was a high school cheerleader, stayed active with her six siblings, and kept up with school and friends. At home in southern Louisiana, she looked like any typical 17-year-old, but behind the routine, she was living with constant pain from scoliosis. 

“After every game or practice, she’d come home and go straight to bed due to the pain,” said her mom, Michelle Sparnecht.  

When Madeline was 12, a nurse practitioner noticed a curve in her spine during a routine well-child visit. The year before, there had been no signs. Michelle believes a growth spurt during that time caused the curve to appear so quickly.  

“Her back looked totally fine at 11,” she said. “By age 12, everything had changed.” 

The family was referred to pediatric orthopedic surgeon William K. Accousti, MD at Manning Family Children’s, where Madeline was officially diagnosed with scoliosis. 

Scoliosis is a twisting and sideways curvature of the spine that most often appears during the rapid growth years before puberty. While many cases are mild, some curves become more pronounced over time and may cause pain or breathing difficulties. The condition can run in families and although it occurs in equal frequency between boys and girls, it is much more common for girls to have larger curves that require treatment. It is often first identified between the ages of 10 and 15, during routine physical exams or school screenings. 

“We started with bracing,” Michelle said. “At first, she wore a day brace to school that stretched from under her arm to her hip. It was so uncomfortable. She was then given a nighttime brace, but that didn’t help either.” 

The curve in Madeline’s spine progressed quickly. She started feeling pain every day. Her shoulder blade became more visible, and she often felt like she could not take a full breath. Her spine and rib cage were shifted, and the discomfort affected every part of her routine. 

“She was tired of being in pain,” Michelle said. 

Michelle was scared of surgery at first. Just the idea of spinal surgery for her child made her anxious, but she felt comforted by Dr. Accousti’s approach. He answered every question, took his time during appointments, and helped the family understand what to expect.   

Madeline’s spinal curve had reached an alarming 52 degrees. The family waited for the right time to schedule surgery. Michelle’s husband was recovering from his own health concerns, and the decision required careful planning. They scheduled Madeline’s surgery for June 2024, after the school year ended. 

The experience at Manning Family Children’s brought Michelle unexpected peace. On the morning of the procedure, she said she felt calm as the staff helped prepare them for each step. 

“Her surgery went better than I ever imagined,” Michelle said. “We were told she might need to stay in the hospital for five days. She was discharged after two.” 

Madeline was up and walking within hours of waking up. “At one point, she got so stir crazy that she started tidying the hospital room,” Michelle said. She also remembered how incredibly helpful the nurses and staff were during their brief stay. “The chair was broken in the room, and the nurse found a better one in an empty room and changed it out so I’d be comfortable. That small act stayed with me. The people there were incredible. Everyone we met treated us with kindness. It was more than just medical care. They really cared about us as a family.” 

Within three weeks, she was driving and back to her normal self. “For what I’d consider a major surgery, she bounced back so well. She had some restrictions, like she could not do heavy lifting, swimming, running or jumping. We followed the guideline for what she could do,” Michelle said. “Obviously, she listened to her body, but she felt good.” 

By the end of summer, Madeline was cleared for a short boat ride. She started classes at a local community college, taught preschool dance classes, and took a job helping young students as an interventionist. Her back no longer hurt. Her breathing improved. Her scar healed beautifully. 

At her one-year follow-up, Madeline’s spine was almost completely straight. The rods and screws placed during surgery had done their job. Her care team will continue to monitor her for a few more years. 

Michelle often reflects on the decision to move forward with surgery. When she first learned of the scoliosis diagnosis, she joined Facebook groups and read many stories of surgeries that ended horribly. 

“I waited for the surgery because I was scared. Looking back, I wish we had done it sooner,” she said. “I trust Dr. Accousti completely. If any of my other children need care, I know exactly where we’ll go. Manning Family Children’s gave my family a place where we felt heard, supported and cared for at every step.” 

Madeline couldn’t agree more. 

“I am now one year post-op, and I feel like a brand new person. I am no longer living in constant discomfort and pain. During the whole process of appointments, surgery and recovery, Dr. Accousti and Manning Family Children’s made me feel so comfortable and protected at all times. They were there for me through it all,” Madeline said. “I felt like a princess during this major surgery! I want to thank everyone at Children’s, including Dr. Accousti, for helping me get back to myself again.” 

To learn more about scoliosis care and pediatric orthopedic surgery at Manning Family Children’s Hospital, visit https://www.manningchildrens.org/services/orthopedics/.