Posted by Barb Kelly on February 28, 2004 at 05:17:23:
In Reply to: wont to know more posted by mrgaret gilmour on February 26, 2004 at 13:18:56:
Hi Margaret,
I'm so sorry to hear about your son. Perthes at his age is very difficult to treat. Unfortunately, most surgeries that Gary mentioned doctors will not do at his age. I'm not sure where you live but Dr. Paley in Baltimore is one of the very few doctors who use the distraction method to hold the ball within the socket but in a position to let it grow as round as possible. Dr. Paley has been using this method now for about 15-20 years and has had better outcomes than would be expected. There are a number of kids in our group who have gone through the distraction and are faring well.
Not to be discouraging but at your son's age the distraction method is about the only option he has besides waiting until he is in his 20's for a hip replacement, which you really don't want him to do.
Contact me at bkelly@dol.net and I'll send you an invitation to join our support group where you can talk to other moms who have sons in similar situations as your own.
Barb