Lost??????

[geoffreysmom]

I took my son to see a surgeon today and he was pu on crutches for the next three weeks. I was told he is between a B and a C what does this mean ? I was so confused when I went there but even more confused when I left... My son os 9 and was just diagoniosed 2 weeks ago so he is on the older end the surgeon wants to see what we can do with crutces and PT first before any casting or surgery but from what I have read there seems to be a window for surgery and age is this true? and should i get a second opinion? Any anwers would help

[Donna Brown]

Hi

So sorry to hear that you don't have clear answers on this. There is a good paper to read regarding classifications and the long term prognosis at www.boss.net.au/clinician/studynotes/reghip02.htm

Between B & C with your sons age taken into account really does mean that there is no time to waste and that any intervention needs to take place sooner, rather than later.

As you aren't happy with the approach being taken, can you get a second opinion? Be aware that for every opinion you receive, you will potentially get a completely different approach to treatment of this. Its then a case of going with the specialist whom you feel is listening to you, taking into account what is right for your son and your family and offers also information based on a good history of working with perthes kids, not just from his textbook.

Time is of the essence with an older diagnosis child and although that generally means taking the surgical approach to perthes, the sooner that is over and done with, the sooner their body can take over and heal the damage done by both the surgery and perthes. For a lot of surgeries like the pelvic or femoral osteotomy, there is definitely a window of time where these surgeries are effective too.

If you are interested, there is a great online support group where you could chat to other perthes families and get some information from them too. Let me know if you are interested in joining.

Donna

[geoffreysmom]

Donna,
Thank you so much for the link it explains alot. We are going to childerns hospital of philadelphia but now I think we may get a second opinion from Shriners Childerns hospital. I would like to join the support group if you have a link could you please send. Thanks again.
Jenn

[Donna Brown]

Hi Jenn

I've just sent the invitation to the group out to you.

Look forward to seeing you on the group site.

Cheers

Donna