How her condition was diagnosed
Gabrielle’s symptoms began in 8th grade with severe pain during workouts, prompting her to seek medical help. Initially, cortisone injections provided only temporary relief. The pain, likened to a “pins and needles” feeling, worsened with activity, leading Gabrielle and her family to consult with specialists affiliated with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital for a second opinion. After consultations and exams with Dr. Mansour, she decided to undergo a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) to correct her hip dysplasia.
Now on the other side of surgery and an intensive physical therapy program, Gabrielle says she “feels better and newer than ever before” as she prepares for her senior year of athletics.
Understanding Hip Dysplasia and PAO surgery
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket does not sufficiently cover the ball of the hip joint, leading to instability and damage. While severe cases are often identified at birth, cases like Gabrielle’s may not present symptoms until high levels of activity exceed the body’s ability to compensate. Symptoms can include pain, limping and difficulty performing high-level sports activities.
Dr. Mansour explained that PAO surgery, or periacetabular osteotomy, involves cutting around the hip socket and repositioning it to provide better coverage for the top of the thigh bone. This intricate procedure is performed with the assistance of X-ray imaging taken during surgery for precision, allowing surgeons to see a picture of what they're cutting while using instruments indirectly. “The goal of PAO surgery is to reorient the hip socket to provide optimal coverage for the upper end of the femur bone, thereby improving joint stability and function,” Dr. Mansour said. “This procedure is critical for young athletes like Gabrielle, as it helps in reducing pain and preventing further joint damage.”
The multidisciplinary approach at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital was integral to Gabrielle’s successful recovery. The team included affiliated pediatric orthopedic surgeons, nerve monitoring specialists who ensured the nerves were protected during surgery, anesthesiologists who provided specialized nerve blocks to manage pain and a dedicated physical therapy team at Memorial Hermann | Rockets Sports Medicine Institute that worked closely with Gabrielle both before and after surgery. The rehabilitation process, particularly for high-level athletes, is crucial in ensuring a return to sports.
Dr. Mansour highlighted that early intervention is key to prolonging the life of the hip joint and delaying the need for joint replacement. “By performing PAO surgery at an early stage, we can significantly delay, if not prevent, the progression to severe arthritis and the subsequent need for hip replacement in early adulthood,” Dr. Mansour added. “Our aim is to help patients maintain their native hips well into adulthood. In Gabrielle's case, this early intervention has enabled her to return to sports and pursue her athletic dreams.”
Recovery and Rehabilitation: The Path Back to the Track
The camaraderie with her physical therapist (PT) at Memorial Hermann | Rockets Sports Medicine Institute played a crucial role in her recovery. “My PT, Andrea, was incredible. She knew exactly how to motivate me and understood what I was going through. She was so down to earth. Her attitude and personality actually made me want to go to physical therapy, even when it was at its most challenging,” Gabrielle shared.
Memorial Hermann | Rockets Sports Medicine Institute offers leading clinical expertise in recovery and endurance training that not only helps injured athletes return to their sport faster, but also helps strong athletes reach their untapped potential. The team includes affiliated physicians, orthopedic surgeons, therapists and trainers to treat a variety of sports injuries. The Institute also serves as the official health care provider and partner for the Houston Rockets, the Houston Dynamo FC, IRONMAN Texas, and the University of Houston and Sam Houston State University athletics programs.
Specific exercises included hip abductor strengthening with resistance bands, core stability exercises and aquatic therapy sessions to reduce joint stress while building muscle strength. Once Gabrielle graduated from her PT facility, she was able to resume running and continued to work with her trusted therapist.
She has now successfully returned to track and field competition, with plans to compete in events like the 100m, 200m, 400m and long jump during her senior year of high school. Gabrielle and her family recently were approached by a college scout, marking a significant milestone in her comeback. “I was thrilled when the scout talked to me,” she added. “It felt like all my hard work was paying off.”
Future Aspirations and Reflections
Looking ahead, Gabrielle aims to compete in college track. Her experience has also inspired her to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon, driven by the care she received and her desire to help others facing similar challenges. She was even inspired to sign up for a health theory class that allows her to participate in hospital rotations. “I want to give back and help others the way Dr. Mansour helped me,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Gabrielle credits the care and dedication of Dr. Mansour and the team at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital for her recovery. She also found strength in her faith, often writing down Bible verses and praying before each race. This practice, along with her support system, helped her to persevere through the toughest times.
To other young athletes facing similar medical challenges, Gabrielle offers heartfelt advice: “It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to feel like you’ve hit rock bottom when in reality you have not. Be sure that you have people to talk to who will listen and help you through that tough time. You don’t have to go it alone, and you’ll make it through as long as you stick to it and you’re passionate about it. If you love it, it will always come to you.”
Learn more about the Pediatric Sports Medicine program Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital »