Posted by Joel on December 05, 2003 at 10:48:32:
In Reply to: If I had a child with perthes posted by Tim on December 03, 2003 at 07:03:40:
I agree that surgery should be avoided, if possible. I also agree that the "Wait and See" method is probably over-used.
Having been through the surgery, it's not quite the cakewalk that Tim has painted it to be (and others, too). After the surgery, it's true that I was able to dispense with my crutches, but I was extremely restricted in what I could do. I also had to go to the doctor for countless X-rays, etc. My parents accepted surgical treatment for me because they felt that I would not do well with the sling. I was fortunate to have a good doctor, and things went very well. Nevertheless, I still could not go out to recess with the other kids, which caused problems with social interactions. Just know that things are going to be tough, one way or another.
I don't know how people with slings have fared trying to get into the military/police/etc, but my surgery precluded those occupations. Anyway, these are just some more points from someone on the other side...
: I have seen a few posts lately asking what to do if a child has LP so I thought I would post some of my knowledge.
: I remember when I had LP, the X-rays were obvious that the femoral head was indeed soft, the top looked somewhat blurry. If indeed the head is softening, you will also see as flattening occurs (which is bad). I see so many times now the "Wait and see" method used, which I guess is ok as long as you don't see as I have described. I would think if you do see this, immediate non-weight bearing would be a great idea. My doctor was clear as he showed me my x-rays from the beginning as well as through my progression. I had x-rays every 2 weeks for years it seems... and I could also tell as it was getting better. In my case it was somewhat severe so I was put on crutches and a Perthes Sling, eliminating all weight bearing for nearly 4 years. I know that sounds pretty bad when you compare it to surgery and back on your feet in a few months, but having lived through it myself, it really wasn't that bad... and the end result I feel is better than average. I do know that if diagnosis is in a later stages of LP and damage has already occurred, there is not much alternative to surgery. If it is early, however, don't let the fear of your child on crutches scare you into making the wrong (in my humble opinion) decision. Kids can overcome so much, as parents we need to look out for the long term effects on our children, not so much as what is best for us and our immediate needs.
: I'm hoping this post will lead to others posting on their own story, helping the "new" people around that really need the answers.
: Tim