Posted by Roy Rehme on February 13, 2004 at 12:40:40:
In Reply to: questions posted by Stacie Warren on February 05, 2004 at 08:12:38:
Stacie,
I know it has been said, but get another opinion if you do not feel comfortable. It is great that you notice this in your 2 year old. I wish my parents would have caught it in me. I am 35 with double hip replacements. First one at 29 and second at 33. I was diagnosed with perthes at 28. It was not caught early. Make sure you ask questions and that your surgeon specializes in perthes. Your best resource might be Shriners Hospital. Not sure where you are located but you can do a google search for Shriners and locate one close to year. They are doing a lot of research on Perthes. Nobody knows why it happens and I do not think that there is clear cut evidence it is passed on, however, research I have seen says it can be. Doctors I have spoken with says it can be. I have cousins on both sides that have it and it was diagnosed as kids. They were put in braces and treated and so far so good. Go with your gut feeling. If you do not like what the doctor is telling you, get a second opinion. My first hip replacement was done by a surgeon who did not have experience with perthes, thus it had to be revised this past summer because he errored. My other hips replacement was done by an experienced surgeon in perthes who knew all about it......Do research and check around.
I wish my parents would have been able to notice me walking weird growing up and my doctor would have picked up on it. But, that did not happen. Hip Replacements at my age are few and far between, however, the pain got so bad I could not take it anymore. I put up the flag. But, options for your child are available if he is diagnosed.
If I can help you with anything else, please let me know. I do not want anyone else to have to go through what I have with a late diagnosis.
All the best
Roy