Child Receives Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at Holtz Children’s Hospital Following a Boating Accident That Shattered Her Femur In Three Places

On February 27, 2022, the Lunn family was enjoying a day of boating in Miami when they encountered rough waves in Haulover Inlet, causing Sofia Lunn, 7, to fall hard inside their boat. She shattered her femur in three places upon impact, and was in excruciating pain. The family immediately sought help from the U.S. Coast Guard, and Sofia was transported to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial.

Upon arrival, they met Brian Black, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Holtz Children’s Hospital, who recommended several treatments for the fractures. Since Sofia is an active child who enjoys sports, the family decided surgery would be the best option for her.

“Surgery was the best treatment choice because the risk of a residual bone deformity would be greater without operating,” Dr. Black said. “It also would greatly reduce the development of atrophy, and allow Sofia to get back on her feet almost immediately.”

Dr. Black successfully repaired Sofia’s femur fracture by placing a plate on the side of the bone.

“We knew our prayers were answered when we saw our little girl walking with the help of a walker the next morning,” said Sara Lunn, Sofia’s mother.

While at Holtz Children’s, she received physical therapy before being discharged three days later. The 7-year-old continued outpatient physical therapy for two months at a facility near her home in Broward County. Sofia has since been able to resume her favorite activities, such as horseback riding, swimming, and rock climbing.

“We are so grateful to her entire medical team for helping us navigate such a traumatic experience in our lives,” Sara Lunn said. “We are so happy to say that Sofia is 90 percent back to normal, and that we could not be happier with the results of her surgery and the care she received at Jackson.”