For 14-year-old Sheridan Lynch, softball is more than a hobby. It’s one of her favorite ways to spend time with friends, compete and have fun. So when she learned she would need surgery to correct a severe curve in her spine, one of her biggest concerns was when she could get back on the field.

“I didn’t want to be cooped up in the house all summer,” Sheridan said.

With help from Damon DelBello, MD, and the pediatric orthopedic team at WMCHealth, Sheridan underwent a spinal procedure that allowed surgeons to navigate without traditional radiation-based imaging. Just a few months later, she was back playing the sport she loves.

Years of Managing Scoliosis

Sheridan’s journey began in elementary school. During a routine visit to her pediatrician, her doctor noticed an abnormal curve in her spine. She was diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves sideways rather than following its normal alignment.

Over the next several years, Sheridan’s family worked with Dr. DelBello to monitor the curve and explore treatment options.

For a few years, Sheridan wore a back brace designed to slow the progression of her scoliosis. But as she got older and transitioned to a new middle school, wearing the brace became more challenging. Despite their efforts, the curve continued to worsen.

“Dr. DelBello told us there was a very good chance that if we couldn’t slow it down, she would have to have surgery,” said Sheridan’s mother, Melissa. The possibility of surgery was frightening at first, especially for someone so young. But having several years to process the idea helped Sheridan become more comfortable with the decision.

By eighth grade, she was ready to move forward. She wanted to make the most of her summer recovery so she could return to softball in the fall and prepare for her high school junior varsity season in spring 2027. Working together, Sheridan, Melissa and Dr. DelBello scheduled the procedure for June 2026, after the school year ended.

Innovative Technology Without Radiation

Sheridan’s spinal fusion procedure offered an important benefit: Dr. DelBello could navigate without relying on traditional X-ray imaging.

WMCHealth offers advanced radiation-free spinal navigation technology that uses MRI-based imaging and real-time surgical guidance to help surgeons visualize the spine and precisely place surgical instruments and implants.

Unlike traditional approaches that may rely on CT scans or X-rays during surgery, this technology can reduce or eliminate radiation exposure associated with surgical planning and navigation. That in turn reduces the risk of developing cancer caused by radiation. This is especially valuable for children and teenagers, who may need repeated imaging as they grow.

Taking Recovery One Step at a Time

After surgery, Sheridan remained in the hospital until July 3. Although she was worried about postoperative pain, she found the experience more manageable than she had expected. The nursing and physical therapy (PT) teams helped her begin moving safely, practicing walking, climbing stairs and getting in and out of bed.

“Everybody at Westchester really helped out,” Sheridan said. “Even when the PT was gone, the nurses would help.”

Once home, Sheridan focused on gradually rebuilding her strength. Dr. DelBello encouraged her to walk and, when she felt ready, swim. Her grandmother helped keep her moving by encouraging her to walk laps around the house. Sheridan balanced activity with plenty of rest, gradually increasing what she could do each day.

“I feel like even just a month later, I was able to do so much more,” she said. “My big concern was how long recovery would last, and now I can do pretty much everything.”

Back on the Softball Field

By late August, Sheridan was outside practicing her hitting. She returned to team softball practices in September and was playing in games by late September and early October, less than three months after surgery.

Her first hit was a particularly exciting milestone for the family.

Although she still occasionally experiences muscle soreness and discomfort around her shoulder, Sheridan said she continues to improve and feels confident on the field.

“Those first practices were rough,” she said. “But it’s definitely gotten a lot better. Now I’m fully playing, and I’m doing very well.”

For Melissa, seeing her daughter return to the activities she loves has been especially rewarding.

Today, Sheridan is back to balancing ninth grade, softball, reading, music and time with friends. She’s excited to share her experience with others, proving that even major spine surgery doesn’t have to keep a determined teenager on the sidelines.

Learn more about radiation-free spine surgery and the advanced pediatric orthopedic care available at WMCHealth.