Spectrum News: 'Some of the worst pain you can go through': Tyler Smith’s career path shaped by overcoming a rare physical condition
Spectrum News featured Cook Children's Orthopedic Surgeon Lauren LaMont, M.D., in a story about Dallas Cowboys' offensive tackle Tyler Smith. Smith was diagnosed with Blount’s disease, a rare disorder that affects the growth plates in the shinbone, when he was 16 years old.
“Instead of growing straight, it starts to grow in a more curved way, so that your leg becomes bowed out to the side,” said Dr. LaMont, one of the surgeons involved with Smith’s care.
Dr. LaMont said the best option for Smith was to have his left leg intentionally broken, with pins inserted into the bone to help straighten his leg over a matter of months.
Smith had the surgery immediately following his junior season at North Crowley High School in Fort Worth.
“It definitely taught me to just never take anything for granted,” Smith said. “And it really taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
