PHILADELPHIA—Child welfare officials in suburban Philadelphia are intervening in the case of a severely injured teen whose parents favor herbal medicines over surgery.

Delaware County has placed 16-year-old Mazeratti Mitchell in protective custody. He has been hospitalized since Tuesday after a wrestling injury caused temporary paralysis.

Mitchell's mother Vermell says her son has been diagnosed with a bruised spine. She says doctors in Philadelphia are recommending surgery and the use of screws and plates to stabilize the backbone.

She refused the treatment, saying their family believes in herbal medicines and natural healing. Doctors then contacted child welfare officials.

A hearing on the case Thursday in Delaware County Court was continued until Monday.

http://www.eveningsun.com/statenews/ci_17286446