My 6 year old daughter has mild ataxic CP and is scheduled to have a femoral osteotomy on both legs next month. She walks fairly well now and runs fast even though it looks a little awkward. I'm wondering if anyone else out there has had experience w/ an osteotomy. The procedure seems barbaric and the recovery is going to be painful and take most of the summer. I just hope this is all worth it. Her surgeon has guaranteed that her gait will be smoother/easier and is hopeful that her balance will improve, but I'm still hesitant about putting my daughter through all this. Please let me know any opinions or suggestions you have on this procedure. I can't get a 2nd opinion locally because her surgeon is the only pediatric one in town, so I'm relying on his and a PT's knowledge of what is best for my daughter (the PT agrees that we should do the surgery). Thanks for your time!
Heather

Hi there. I had a peri-acetabular osteotomy around 4 years ago. I was born with spastic CP. My right hip was dispastic and would 'swing' out while running. I was lucky to be living in the Boston area with good health insurance so I had it done at New England Baptist. My only regret was not having it at a much younger age, but my understanding is it is a relatively new procedure. It took me quite a while to strengthen my legs without pain. I recommend as much physical therapy as possible. Hope this helps,
Ken

Heather, I don't have any experience with this surgery.

Good luck, I know the decision is tough.

Kat
spastic diplegia, coxa valga (valgus hips)

I had five osteotomies in July of '06. Two on the femors, two on the tibias, and one fibula. It is a very painful surgery and recovery but it is so worth it. My gait has improved greatly and the knee pain I was having is gone. I was walking by myself a little after 4 months post-op and I've gained more ability than I had pre-op. It is really tough though and a lot of work. Is there a specific reason the doctor wants to do this??? My knees were misaligned and this was causing pain so that's why I had it done. If I hadn't had the knee pain I may not have went through this but seeing the results it was worth it.

My ds had a femural osteotomy when he was 5 and it helped him immensely. It made him much more functional, got him walking with minimal assistance, and helped him be able to actually stand. Before it he could walk but couldn't stop unless he threw himself up against something to stop himself.