Ten-year-old Kayden Sykes loves a thrill, and one of his greatest is riding his four-wheeler.
On August 13, 2022, Kayden was doing a little joy riding when he was hit by an oncoming vehicle entering his neighborhood. Kayden’s left leg was crushed by the car and his all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Almost immediately, he began to experience excruciating pain in his upper leg as his thigh swelled and he found the leg impossible to move.
Alarmed, his mother, Tashiara ran over to help him only to realize the severity of his injury — his left leg was smashed and bloodied. She immediately called 911 and in minutes, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was on the scene. EMS workers carefully loaded Kayden onto a stretcher and drove him straightway to WakeMed Raleigh Campus. Tashiara then rushed to the Raleigh Campus WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department to meet up with her son. While en route, Kayden groaned in agony, as pain medications were administered.
Upon arrival to the hospital, the Level 1 Trauma Center team went into action. They wheeled Kayden back to Imaging for a computed tomography (CT) scan and diagnostic imaging X-rays to determine the extent of his injuries and soon diagnosed him with a broken femur.
Okechukwu Nwoko, MD, the Wake Ortho orthopaedic surgeon who reviewed Kayden’s imaging, explains, “The x-ray showed a complete fracture along the shaft of the bone with overlap of the bone.”
Kayden was scheduled for surgery with Dr. Nwoko the next day, August 14, 2022.
A Broken Femur
The femur is the thigh bone and is the strongest and longest bone in the entire body. It is critical to standing and moving. Because of its dominant positioning in the body, it supports the circulatory system as well as numerous ligaments, muscles and tendons.
A broken femur, whether open or closed, can result in serious blood loss, so swift emergency care is needed to prevent loss of life and improper healing, such as deforming shortening of the leg.
Surgical Repair in the Best of Hands
With expertise in complex fractures, Dr. Nwoko determined the most effective repair for this critical procedure. Since Kayden’s break was severe and his femur was shattered, he received an intramedullary elastic nailing of his left femur.
Dr. Nwoko explains, “For the surgery, we were able to reduce the bone under x-ray with manipulation. To stabilize the fracture, we inserted two elastic rods inside the bone using small incisions at the knee and guided through x-ray to stabilize the fracture from bottom to top near the hip. We then buried this underneath the skin. That way he can still move the leg and take showers without the need for cast. He did well after surgery.”
Pediatric ICU Care Second to None in the County
Kayden’s surgical procedure was a success, so he was sent to the WakeMed Pediatric ICU (PICU) — the only unit of its kind in Wake County — for close monitoring.
Kayden awoke from surgery feeling anxious, but he calmed down as he experienced compassionate care in the family-centered, personalized unit designed especially for children.
With an experienced team of pediatric specialists, critical-care nurses, child life specialists, child psychologists, social workers, respiratory therapists and chaplains, the PICU meets the physical needs as well as the emotional and psychological needs of children.
Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
Within a couple days, Kayden was doing well enough to be relocated to the pediatric floor step down unit. There, he remained for another few days until the team determined he was ready to begin recouping the use of his left leg in the WakeMed Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital. Kayden was in inpatient rehab beginning August 19, 2022, and remained there for a week before being discharged home.
Tashiara says, “One thing that stood out to me was how comfortable Kayden was by the time he was sent to rehab. He was less anxious and improved a lot.”
Kayden received physical, occupational and recreational therapy to overcome his limitations and resume his daily activities with the help of his primary therapists: Laura Boose (physical therapy), Ashley Frazier (occupational therapy) and Portia Walton (therapeutic recreation).
Laura says, “Kayden was so much fun to work with. We worked hard on his ability to bend and straighten his leg after surgery to improve his independence and maintain his range of motion. We focused a lot of our time on his ability to use a walker to take some steps and improve his ability to ambulate. Kayden was very brave and worked through a lot of challenges in pain while he was here. We were all amazed by his perseverance and his family’s dedication to be by his side throughout the entire rehab process!”
Portia smiles as she recalls Kayden. “What a smart and precious little boy! While in the WakeMed Children’s Hospital, I provided Kayden with supplies for time management. We spent time with Pistachio, the therapy dog. We also discussed coping and ways to spend time post-discharge at home.”
Tashiara says of her son’s care, “The entire staff was incredible.”
Since Kayden was experiencing anxiety, the therapy sessions were a little scary for him, so WakeMed child life specialist, Austin Crowell, was instrumental in helping Kayden work through his fear. Austin offered many forms of compassionate support, including play, activities, educational resources and emotional support.
Austin recalls, “Kayden and his family were an absolute pleasure to work with in pediatric rehab. Initially, Kayden was really fearful of participating in his therapies, but with some encouragement and distraction, he grew in his resiliency and bravery each day during his hospitalization. I was so proud of Kayden and his family for stepping up and overcoming the challenges they faced; it was a real testament to their strength and the support they provided for one another.”
Tashiara says, “Austin, the child life specialist, was such a huge help to Kayden. He played a big part in getting Kayden to participate during his therapy sessions.”
A Pediatric Patient Deputized as an Honorary Police Officer
Tashiara also has much to say about Kayden’s nurse. “Nurse Sharon really made Kayden comfortable. Her nursing skills were amazing! She made sure to include Kayden in his care plan and allowed him to help when it was appropriate. She used language that Kayden understood whenever he had questions.”
Kayden and nurse Sharon Gibson enjoyed many conversations. Through rapport, she learned how much he missed his little brother, his favorite subject in fifth grade and plans to one day become a police officer. Upon hearing that Kayden wanted to become a police officer, Sharon called the Campus Police and Public Safety Department to see if an officer could come visit during his rounds. Officer Jonathan Eades cheerfully accepted the assignment.
Tashiara says, “Sharon took the initiative to seek out a WakeMed officer to visit Kayden. It didn’t take long at all for the officer to come up and visit. That day was busy for the WakeMed officers. We remember hearing the codes called over the speakers, but he still made time to come and talk with Kayden!
“The officer spoke with Kayden and told him what being an officer was all about, asked Kayden if that’s what he wanted to do and requested he set a good example for his younger brother. After Kayden agreed, he was deputized as an honorary police officer. Kayden was so excited and couldn’t wait to tell his little brother and his friends. The officer’s visit brightened Kayden’s stay and made it special.”
Sharon, Kayden’s nurse also recollects that sweet day.
“It was such a pleasure to be a part of Kayden’s healing journey. It was the most heartwarming experience to watch him with the WakeMed officer. Officer Jonathan was fantastic with him. The future ‘Officer Kayden’ is going to do great things in life!”
Kayden Goes Home with Lots of Love and Plenty of Gifts
Kayden was discharged home the following day. Yet, Kayden didn’t go home empty handed. Aside from the honorary police badge, he was also sent home with a bunch of goodies.
Tashiara says of this joyous day, “They gave Kayden a ‘my independence day t-shirt’ from the rehab team.”
Kayden also received assistive devices from the WakeMed Children’s Rehabilitation team to ensure he could continue to recover safely. They provided him with a wheelchair, a walker and a shower chair.
Tashiara smiles, reflecting on the incredible care they received even as they departed the hospital. “The rehab team made sure that Kayden was all set to go home by providing him everything he may need for his daily activities.”
Kayden’s Continued Recovery
Today, Kayden is back to some elements of his routine. He is participating in homebound education and meets with his teacher two days per week.
Kayden is also continuing his recovery by visiting WakeMed Physician Practices – Physical Therapy two times a week as an outpatient. He can now put a little weight on his leg while walking with a walker and is expected to make a full recovery.
Tashiara says, “Thank you to everyone who played a part in helping Kayden recover! This was a traumatic experience for Kayden, and everyone was so helpful and understanding of his anxiety. It was a long hospital stay, but it was well worth it. He continues to get better day by day.”
About WakeMed Children’s
At WakeMed Children’s, your child’s life, health and happiness are precious to us — so our singular focus is to deliver the highest quality, compassionate and family-centered care.
We do this with the support of our highly comprehensive, skilled team of specialists and resources:
- Our integrated team of specialists offer world renowned expertise.
- Cutting-edge services and procedures ensure the highest quality, advanced care.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities ensure the most innovative care.
- Educational resources are available for every stage of child development and injury prevention.
About WakeMed Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
We care for pediatric inpatients where they want to be — with other kids their own age. The WakeMed Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital provides comprehensive, patient- and family-centered care for children, adolescents and teens who have experienced spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic issues/multiple fractures, amputation and stroke. WakeMed Rehabilitation is nationally recognized for outstanding patient outcomes and expertise.
About WakeMed Raleigh Campus Level 1 Trauma Center
As Wake County’s only provider of trauma services and a regional trauma referral center, our two trauma centers — a Level I Trauma Center at Raleigh Campus and a Level III Trauma Center at Cary Hospital — and the WakeMed Trauma teams are standing ready to provide immediate care for the seriously injured.
Our emergency physicians, nurses and trauma surgeons are responsible for the management of major trauma. They are supported by a wide variety specialists and professionals.
About Wake Ortho
We use the most advanced technology to treat you, whether your injuries are severe or minor. Some services include treatment for sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement surgery, fracture care and reconstruction, peripheral nerve surgery (i.e., carpal tunnel release), and occupational hand therapy and physical therapy.
When you break a bone or suffer an injury, it’s time to visit one of our skilled orthopaedic doctors at Wake Orthopaedics.
About Child Life
Child Life Specialists help children and families cope with the stress and anxiety that often accompany a hospital experience. They are trained in teaching children and adolescents about medical procedures in a developmentally appropriate manner to support your child’s specific needs and facilitate effective coping methods. A family-centered resource, they cater to patients 0-17 and their families.
About WakeMed Physician Practices – Physical Therapy
It’s our goal at WakeMed Physician Practices – Physical Therapy to get you back to your active lifestyle. Our techniques are based on national best practices to ensure you receive the latest, best treatment for your condition. We provide physical therapy and occupational therapy in Raleigh, Cary, the Brier Creek area and Apex, North Carolina.
You must be logged in to post a comment.