Mary Rodts, DNP - ProfessorDepartment of Women, Children and Family Nursing

About Mary Rodts, DNP

Board certified as an Orthopaedic Nurse, Mary Rodts, DNP, CNP, ONC, FAAN, is Professor, Department of Women, Children and Family Nursing at Rush University College of Nursing. Mary is also Chief Operating Officer at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush.

She is a member and former past president of the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON). NAON twice awarded Mary the Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of her contributions to the continued growth and development of the association. Currently, she is the Editor in Chief of NAON's journal, Orthopaedic Nursing. She is also Guest Editor of specific issues for the Nursing Clinics of North America. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

In addition to nursing associations, Mary is one of very few nurses who is a member of the Scoliosis Research Society. She is a recipient of the Scoliosis Research Society's Walter P. Blount award. Mary has presented her extensive medical research at international and national speaking engagements, contributing 24 articles in peer-reviewed scientific publications and eight chapters to medical books.

Publications

Journals:

1. Restriction of Cervical Spine Motion after Milwaukee Brace Treatment for Scoliosis. Orthopaedic Transactions, 1977.

2. Anterior and Posterior Spine Fusion for Scoliosis. Orthopaedic Transactions, 1978.

3. Spondylolisthesis in the Adolescent. Orthopaedic Nursing, Vol. 6, No. 5, May, 1979.

4. Anterior and Posterior Spine Fusion for Paralytic Scoliosis. Spine, Vol. 4, No. 5, September/October, 1979.

5. Severe Spondylolisthesis in Adolescents and Children: Reduction and Staged Circumferential Fusion. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, April, 1981.

6. Musculoskeletal Assessment. Nursing, May, 1983.

7. How to Remove a Cast. Procedures, Intermed Communications, 1983, pg. 663.

8. Associated Practice: A Case for Professional Collaboration. Journal of Nursing Administration, November, 1983.

9. Bone Banking: Its Role in Skeletal Tumor Reconstruction. Orthopaedic Nursing, September/October, 1985.

10. Surgical Intervention for Adult Scoliosis. Orthopaedic Nursing. November/December, 1987.

11. Cotrel-Dubousset Instrumentation for Scoliosis. Nursing Yearbook. Springhouse Corporation, 1988.

12. Zielke Instrumentation: Indications, Technique and Review of 25 Cases. Orthopaedics, October, 1988.

13. The Rush ISIS Experience: Initial Results. Orthopaedic Transactions, 1990.

14. Sprains and Strains. Patient Teaching Looseleaf Library. Springhouse Corporation, April, 1990.

15. The Rush ISIS Experience: Initial Results. Backtalk, Vol. 14, No. 2, Summer, 1990.

16. HIV Precautions for Prevention in the Workplace. Orthopaedic Nursing, September/October, 1992.

17. Spinal Surgery for Adults. Handbook of Therapeutic Interventions. Springhouse Corporation, 1993.

18. Competitive Athletes and Injuries: A Rehabilitation Performance Perspective. Orthopaedic Nursing, Vol. 13, No. S., September/October, 1994.

19. In Memory of Jane Callahan. Orthopaedic Nursing, May/June, 1995.

20. Spinal Cord Injury without Radiographic Abnormality (SCIWORA). Orthopaedic Nursing, Vol. 16, No. 5., September/October, 1997.

21. Ready for the Challenge of Change, Editorial. Orthopaedic Nursing, March/April, 1999.

22. Just When You Thought You Knew it All, Editorial. Orthopaedic Nursing, May/June, 1999.

23. Keeping Them Safe, Editorial. Orthopaedic Nursing, July/August, 1999.

24. Building Strong Bones, Editorial. Orthopaedic Nursing, September/October, 1999.

25. Let Them Know Who We Are, Editorial. Orthopaedic Nursing, November/December, 1999.

26. Alternative Therapies: Hocus Pocus or In Between, Editorial. Orthopaedic Nursing, January/December, 2000.

Chapters:

1. Orthopaedic Emergencies. Nursing Interventions: The First Sixty Minutes. Aspen Publishers, 1986.

2. Spine Nursing, Chapter 1. The Textbook of Spinal Surgery. Eds. Bridwell, K. & Dewald, R.L. Philadelphia. J.B. Lippincott, 1991.

3. Spine, Chapter 17. Core Curriculum for Orthopaedic Nursing. Pitman, N.J. National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, 1991.

4. Disorders of the Spine, Chapter 16. Comprehensive Orthopaedic Nursing. Eds. Maher, Salmond & Pellino. W. B. Saunders, 1994.

5. Spine, Chapter 17. Core Curriculum for Orthopaedic Nursing. Pitman, N.J. National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, 1996

6. Perioperative and Postoperative Care of the Spine Surgery Patient, Chapter 2. The Textbook of Spinal Surgery, 2nd. Edition. Eds. Bridwell, K. & Dewald, R.L. Philadelphia. J.B. Lippincott, 1997.

7. Disorders of the Spine, Chapter 17. Comprehensive Orthopaedic Nursing. Eds. Maher, Salmond & Pellino. W. B. Saunders, 1998.

8. Lumbar Spine, Chapter 6. Primary Orthopedic Care. Ed. Crowther. St. Louis. Mosby, Inc., 1999.

Audiotapes:

1. Degenerative Spine Conditions. Certification Review Series. Pitman, N.J. National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, 1998.

Website:

1. Spinal Science Advancement Foundation. Patient information website on Spondylolisthesis.

Articles Written by Mary Rodts, DNP

Ergonomics: The Human Body and Injury Prevention

Ergonomics is concerned with how our environment interacts with our work. It also looks for ways to decrease the risks of injury and illness.

Prescription Medications and You

There are some important things you should be aware of when taking prescription medications.

Spondylolisthesis: Back Condition and Treatment

This in-depth discussion about spondylolisthesis explains what causes a vertebra to slip and what the different grades (eg, grade 1 spondylolisthesis) look like.

Ergonomic Chairs and Seat Adjustment

How to choose an ergonomic chair and prevent back and neck pain. While most people believe sitting is relaxing, sitting is actually hard on the back because it transfers the full weight of the upper body onto the buttocks and thighs.

Childhood Testing for Scoliosis

For some parents and children, it's a school nurse who first notices the scoliosis. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to prevent curve progression.

Spondylolisthesis: Treatment, Restrictions, Bracing, Medication

Approximately 5% of the population has a spondylolisthesis, but many of those people will never need any treatment. The grade of slip (grades 1-5) and your symptoms will help determine your treatment.

Ergonomic Standards

It doesn't matter whether you work in a factory, office or at home; how you treat your body during work affects your spine.

What Is Post-operative Care?

Post-operative recovery starts in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Can Therapeutic Massage Help Relieve Back Pain?

Therapeutic massage is an alternative treatment for people with a variety of spine conditions. Here are 5 things to know about therapeutic massage.

Your Healthy Spine

Overview of spinal anatomy explains and illustrates key structures of the spine, such as the discs, joints and nerve roots that may cause neck and back pain.

Post-Operative Care: Activity, Incision Care, Rehab and Recovery

Each day following spine surgery the patient is encouraged to increase physical activity and to be as independent as possible.

Surgical Wound Care: Questions and Answers

Read this article to get answers to the most common questions patients ask about spine surgical wound care.

Spondylolisthesis; Surgical Procedures, Preparation, and Postoperative Care

Be prepared for surgery with this article, which covers all aspects of before, during, and after your procedure. An excellent article for anyone who has questions about what happens once you get to the hospital.

Safety First: Prescription Medications and You

Safety first! Prevent dangerous problems with prescription medications.

Surgery for Scoliosis

This article reviews the basics of spine surgery for scoliosis in children and adults.

Recent blog posts from Mary Rodts, DNP

October 26, 2010

Can Adults Develop Scoliosis?

Adolescent girls aren't the only people who have scoliosis. Adults can develop it, too. Adult scoliosis can actually cause significant back pain.

Scoliosis Treatments: How Do Doctors Know if Your Spine's Curve Will Get Worse?

There is emerging research that suggests a genetic component in scoliosis. To determine skeletal maturity and how much growth a child has left to do, doctors look at a couple of things:

Articles Reviewed by Mary Rodts, DNP

Pilates Exercise for a Healthy Spine

Pilates is an exercise that focuses on activating the low back and pelvic muscles—the body's powerhouse, or core. Find out how Pilates exercise strengthens these muscles and leads to a healthy spine.

Scoliosis Center

SpineUniverse's Scoliosis Center offers accurate information about the diagnosis and treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, adult spinal scoliosis, and degenerative scoliosis.

Intervertebral Discs

The intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous cushions serving as the spine's shock absorbing system, which protect the vertebrae, brain, and other structures.

Vertebral Column

Get an expert-written spinal anatomy lesson on the vertebral column (your spine) by reading this article.

Ligaments

Read this article to get a basic anatomy lesson about ligaments, which are fibrous bands or sheets of connective tissue linking 2 or more structures together.

Structural Components of the Spine

To understand what causes back pain, here is a short anatomy lesson. This overview will help you understand your spine specialist's treatment recommendations.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

Scoliosis symptoms in children and adults are similar. Included is a list of potential signs that a scoliosis is developing.

Massage Therapy Helps Ease Neck and Back Pain

Massage is a treatment option for back pain and neck pain. Learn the basics of massage therapy and find out how it can help reduce your back or neck pain.

Biofeedback: Questions and Answers

Biofeedback can help a patient to affect a particular function specific to a problem through mental or physical exercises, such as relieving neck pain due to muscle tension.

Spinal Bracing

Spinal bracing is used for 3 main reasons... An orthotics specialist explains the different types of braces.

Spinal Muscles: A Comprehensive Guide

Muscles are named according to their shape, location, or a combination. They are further categorized according function such as flexion, extension, or rotation.

Anatomical Planes of the Body

Medical professionals often refer to sections of the body in terms of anatomical planes (flat surfaces). These planes are imaginary lines ? vertical or horizontal ? drawn through an upright body.

Occupational Therapy: Questions and Answers

The purpose of Occupational Therapy (OT) is to help people increase their functional independence in daily life while preventing or minimizing disability.

Hot and Cold Therapies for Pain and Discomfort

Hot and cold therapies are the oldest forms of treatment to help reduce muscle inflammation, tenderness, and pain. Learn more in this article.

Spinal Bracing: A Treatment Option for Scoliosis in Children

Spinal bracing for scoliosis in children is a common non-surgical treatment. The overarching goal is not to permanently correct scoliosis, but rather to stop or slow the progression of the curve,

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Author's Statement

I, the undersigned, declare that neither I nor members of my immediate family have a financial interests or affiliation with commercial companies whose products and / or services may be mentioned in the materials I have authored, edited or reviewed for presentation on Remedy Health Media, LLC’s websites.

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