Posted by Keith on October 28, 2003 at 12:54:10:
In Reply to: I couldn't agree more posted by Tim on October 10, 2003 at 10:09:36:
: I believe that the weight bearing flattens or destroys the hip ball. If Perthes is diagnosed early and prior to such damage, people should definitely go the brace/sling method before allowing a surgeon to cut on their child. I know that sometimes this cannot be helped, but I see several instances where the "wait and see" method is used to the point that the child is in extreme pain, leading to damage and thus surgery. This is a controversial issue, and I believe one big factor is the dollars associated with surgery as compared to the price of a fabric sling and crutches or even a brace. Again, we are all different, but in the cases I have seen using the braces/slings, many fewer surgeries were required. RESEARCH is the number one priority!
: Tim
Non weight bearing and braces worked for me when I had perthes in the 50s. Many months of plaster encasement from groins to toes with a spreader bar spead eageling my legs to an what could only be described as an unforgivable spread.Followed by braces that kept my foot about 6 inches above the ground and a heavy steel frame on the other foot to compensate for the hight.very noticable in short trousers with tight laced boots just for good measure. What I am saying it worked without surgery. Bring back the casts and braces in a modern format.