Kaitlin’s Story
Twelve‑year‑old Kaitlin has always been on the move. Between gymnastics and lacrosse, staying active is simply part of who she is. So, when she began experiencing knee pain last spring, her family initially thought it was a minor setback. But what started as mild discomfort quickly progressed into significant swelling and concern.
An MRI revealed an osteochondral defect, a rare condition in which a portion of bone begins to lose blood supply and deteriorate. Kaitlin and her parents knew she needed specialized care. Their search brought them from their home in Washington to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, where Matthew Schmitz, MD, director of the Rady Children’s International Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Hip Disorders and clinical professor at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, and his expert surgical team stepped in to help her return to the sports she loves.
World-Class Orthopedic Care for Young Athletes
Kaitlin’s injury required careful evaluation and a surgeon experienced in treating young athletes. The damage was located on the back of her kneecap, where a small piece of cartilage had started to lift away from the bone. Dr. Schmitz performed the procedure successfully, setting her on a strong path toward recovery.
From the moment they arrived, Kaitlin’s family felt supported. They were warmly welcomed, guided through each step of the process, and cared for by a dedicated team. Physical therapists met with Kaitlin before surgery, nurses and the post-surgical care unit staff provided comfort during recovery, and Dr. Schmitz took the time to explain everything in a way she could easily understand.
Her mother shared, “From start to finish, it was unbelievable. Dr. Schmitz was phenomenal with Kaitlin. He got down to her level to where she could truly understand what was happening, rather than using medical jargon.”
Rady Children’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine teams care for thousands of young athletes each year, offering advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and rehabilitation programs tailored to growing bodies. The team is also part of an international research collaborative focused on improving outcomes for osteochondral knee injuries.
“Through studying patients with similar injuries to Kaitlin, we can continue to improve care for young athletes everywhere,” Dr. Schmitz explained.
For Kaitlin, recovery meant six weeks on crutches, a locked brace, and several months of physical therapy. It was a challenge for someone so active, but she approached it with resilience.
Healing, Growing and Getting Back Up Again
Today, Kaitlin is back to doing what she loves — flipping across the gymnastics floor and playing lacrosse with her teammates.
“It warms my heart to see our patients return to their pre-injury activities,” said Dr. Schmitz. “I love hearing stories like Kaitlin’s and knowing that Rady Children’s plays a role in that success.”
The journey was about more than physical recovery. Along the way, Kaitlin gained something just as important: a deeper understanding of patience, perseverance and her own strength.