Physical therapy is a vital part of both recovery from injury and the management of chronic conditions, and South Central Rehabilitation Services continues to add new modalities and treatment options for patients.  

LiteGait, a supported gait therapy device, is the newest tool available at SCRMC. This impressive device is used to help patients who have trouble maintaining gait control, and it is immensely helpful in treating pediatric and adult patients.  

Physical therapy has been a part of 12-year-old Harper Buckley’s life, playing a central role in her treatment for spina bifida. The incorporation of LiteGait into her treatment plan has been instrumental in helping her recover from her most recent surgery to correct her genu valgum, commonly known as “knock knees.”  

Harper, who is a twin, was diagnosed with spina bifida before birth at her mother Brittany Avera Buckley’s 24-week anatomy scan.  

According to a Jan. 2, 2025, article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spina bifida occurs when “the neural tube does not form properly or close all the way.” The CDC states, “Each year, about 1,278 babies are born with spina bifida or 1 in every 2,875 births.” 

“It was low on her L5 sacrum, and there was a cyst that just kept her spine from closing all the way up,” Brittany said. “When she was born, it ruptured, causing nerve damage. The nerve damage messes with her legs, bowels, and bladder. Harper’s legs give her the most trouble.”  

Over the years, Harper, with the help of her family and care team, has found ways to adapt to the challenges spina bifida presents without missing a beat. She has never let her leg braces or walker stop her from doing the activities she loves, such as making memories with her sibling, exploring Disney World or competing in school beauty pageants.  

In her lifetime, Harper has had many surgeries to correct various problems with her lower extremities. Several years ago, she had extensive surgeries on both ankles, which required physical therapy and months of wound care.  

Her corrective knee surgery has been a long-awaited step in her journey to achieve increased mobility. Harper’s surgeon recommended waiting until her growth plates fused.  

After years of anticipation, Harper finally underwent a distal femoral osteotomy in March 2025. This procedure, often referred to as “knock-knee surgery,” involves changing the femur shape and alignment to reduce the bowing of the knees.  

Soon after surgery, Harper returned to physical therapy on a mission to walk unassisted with straight legs. Physical therapist Alex Arledge, PT, DPT, has worked with Harper for years, preparing her for this ambitious and challenging goal. Alex knew, however, that getting Harper to weight bear would be a challenge. This is where LiteGait became a critical tool.  

“Before surgery, her knees were flexed approximately 15 to 20 degrees on both sides and now she can extend them completely and touch her toes,” Alex said. “Our goal was to help her start moving again and rebuild her muscle strength. LiteGait gave her a sense of safety and the confidence to take those first steps, knowing she would be okay.” 

LiteGait uses a harness and pulley system to remove a calculated amount of the patient’s body weight, making it easier to focus on gait control and balance. Physical therapists at SCRMC previously had to manually stabilize the patient or use other assistive devices, such as walkers or parallel bars.  

LiteGait gives patients more stability than any other previously used device, and SCRMC acquired it just before Harper’s surgery. It provided her with enough physical and emotional security to begin taking her first steps into recovery.  

“It made it way less scary,” Harper said. “I was kind of scared to use it at first but when I got used to it, I felt better.”  

“Having spina bifida means that physical therapy will always be a part of her life, and we want her to love it and be confident,” Brittany said. “She loves her time with Alex, and LiteGait has given her a safety net.” 

To learn more about LiteGait, click here. Call South Central Rehabilitation Services to schedule your appointment at 601-399-0534.