Iraqi Boy Receives Jewett Brace

Ali Jamel Ali, a 15-year-old boy living in Minari Village, Iraq, has been fitted with a Jewett® brace donated by Florida Brace Corporation, Winter Park, Florida. Ali had been suffering from back pain for several months and had recently collapsed. He was unable to walk without bracing his hands on his knees and enduring significant pain. After an MRI at Al Shiek Zayed Hospital, doctors fit him with a crude corset, but he continued to experience significant pain.

Ali was brought to the attention of some concerned American soldiers by a Sons of Iraq leader who relayed his problem through the Army chain of command. The Sons of Iraq are citizens who volunteer their time to help ensure the security of their local villages. Colonel Miller, chief of orthopedic service at the 86th Combat Support Hospital, discussed Ali's condition with other medical personnel. It was determined that Ali was suffering from Pott's Disease and needed to begin taking anti-tubercular medications and be fit with a Jewett brace to ensure that his spine healed while in proper alignment.