Shriners Children’s Surgeon Creates Innovative Brace to Transform Pediatric Fracture Care

Nearly half of all children will experience at least one bone fracture before reaching adulthood, with elbow injuries among the most common. Traditionally, these injuries are treated with a full cast, an often uncomfortable and restrictive solution. But now, thanks to a groundbreaking innovation at Shriners Children's Hawaii, families have a new option: the TINY Cast-Away elbow brace, a child-friendly device that supports healing while letting kids stay active.

With more than two decades of experience treating fractures, Byron Izuka, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Children's Hawaii, saw a critical gap in pediatric fracture care. While many elbow fractures in children are incomplete or stable, standard treatment has long been a full-arm cast, which limits hand use, hygiene and daily activities.

"Too often, children are treated like adults when it comes to fractures despite the fact that their injuries and recovery process are often very different," said Dr. Izuka. "A full cast for a child can be excessive, especially when the bone hasn't shifted out of place. It limits the child's ability to use their hand, or even wash it, which leads to frustration for both the child and their family. I knew there had to be a better solution. One that allows proper healing while still letting the child function."

To meet this need, Dr. Izuka partnered with Jamie McMillan, director of upper extremity products at Hely & Weber, to design the TINY Cast-Away brace. Unlike traditional casts, the lightweight, removable brace provides rigidity and protection without compromising comfort or mobility. Its design allows children to keep their hands free, maintain proper hygiene and even gently move their elbows, contributing to faster, more natural healing.

"When Dr. Izuka brought this idea forward to us, the clinical need was immediately clear, and the potential impact was significant," said McMillan. "Dr. Izuka's passion for improving care has led to a solution that can reduce stress for children and parents alike. We were excited to be part of making his vision a reality."

Shriners Children's has 18 pediatric orthopedic locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico that utilize Dr. Izuka's invention and it is now widely available at hospitals and clinics across the country.

"It is humbling to see an idea that's in your head come to life and have practical purposes, but I didn't do this for financial reasons," said Dr. Izuka. "I truly believe, with all my heart, that this is a better way to treat these fractures."