The Hip Dysplasia Saga Continues..........

As most of you know, Erica has already been through 3 separate procedures/surgeries to try and correct the severe dysplasia in her left hip. This condition was found at her 4 month well check up. She then spent one month in a harness at 4 months, followed by 16 weeks in a full hip spica cast (pictured) from 5-9 months of age.

Since her last cast was removed in November of 2006, she has been wearing a brace holding her legs in this same abducted position as when she was casted. For two months she had to wear it full time, with it only being removed for baths and clothing changes. Since then, she has only had to wear the brace while sleeping at night....which has been such a treat!

In the last 6 months we, along with Erica, have been enjoying every minute of her new found mobility! She has made tremendous strides, and is so very close to walking finally. Through all of this, I promised myself that I would never curse her mobility, or wish her to "slow down"--and so far I have stayed remarkably true to that promise. We just continue to be thankful for this time she has had to catch up developmentally in the gross motor skills department.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.......right? Ugh......................

At her last two follow up appointments with her Orthopedic Surgeon at Gillette Children's--we have been aware that her left hip wasn't looking great on x-ray. We also knew that there was a strong possibility that she might need another surgery if her left hip continued to look underdeveloped when compared to the right side.

Needless to say, at her appointment last week, we did receive the confirmatory sad news. Erica will be undergoing major reconstructive surgery on her left hip on October 8, 2007. The procedure that she will be having is called a Pelvic and Femoral Osteotomy. It is hopefully the last step toward correcting the deficit in her left hip.....for good. I hesitate to say that, but I pray it will be true.

She will be staying at Gillette for up to 5 days inpatient, and I will be off of work taking care of her for up to 8 weeks following surgery. She will have another hip spica cast for 6 weeks, and will then start Physical Therapy.

We know that she will need one more outpatient surgery one year later to remove the hardware (screws and plate) in her femur and pelvis, but know that this will be much less invasive/painful.

I will continue to keep you updated as her surgery date approaches either via a Caring Bridge page and/or on our blog.

Please keep Erica in your thoughts and prayers.....she (and we) will be needing it in the very near future.