What's a Mehta
The first step in correcting Caleb's curve in his back is to be put in a series of full upper body casts. The cast a mushroom shape-like cut out in the front and a "D" shape cut out in the back on the side where his ribs have rotated. This allows for better breathing and eating as well as room for the ribs as they are corrected to settle back into place. This casting technique is called Mehta (May-ta) Casting, named after the doctor who devoted much of her career to developing this type of cast, the correction it brings and so much more. Caleb will be required to be anesthetized including intubation in an operation room. On a specialized table they will de-rotate his ribs and straighten his spine as much as they can. Then they will set him in his cast. The key to the cast is growth. The correction will come through him growing which is why it's key to catch this early like we did and get treatment started asap. Remember earlier I stated how the fastest growth in our life is in our first 2 years. Every 8 weeks or so he will go in and have a new cast applied and yes that means intubation and anesthesia every time. Once he is 10 degrees or less he will switch to a brace which will help to hold the correction while he continues to grow.
This treatment is for an unknown amount of time. Many say to plan for at least 5 casts. Every scoliosis case is different. Every child responds differently. Some it just delays the need for surgery (typically the ones with more severe curves or underlying conditions) and more invasive procedures and others respond very well. We are praying that Caleb responds well to the casts and will not need surgery.
What about milestones? This should not hold Caleb back from developing. It may delay things a tad as whatever he has learned he will need to relearn because he will have a cast that prevents him from bending over and weighs 3-4 pounds. He can not get it wet or go near sand. Otherwise he can do normal things.
