STORIES OF THE TOTALLY HIP

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slipped capitol femural epiphysis

From: K. Elizabeth
Date: 09 Nov 1999
Time: 03:38:12
Remote Name: 209.53.77.141

Comments

Hi! I'm 14 yrs old and 3 years ago after having suffered from severe knee and ankle and some hip pains, I was diagnosed as having a SCFE. X-Rays revealed the slippage to be a stage 4. Several days after the initial diagnosis I underwent surgery to attempt to stabilize my femural head. This surgery entailed the placement of two 3 1/2 inch stainless steel pins in my left femur. Surgery went well and the epiphysis appeared to heal quite readily,however we discovered that the pins were to long and were actually pertruding from my femur. One month after surgeryI was down to using one crutch. Persistent pain in left leg and 3 months later was diagnosed as having avascular necrosis. Orthopaedic surgeons suggested possibility of a fusion of left femur and hip. Have been without crutches for about 10 months and am attending therapeutic horse riding lessons weekly,which has really seemed to have helped me. In past week have had severe pain again in left hip and X-Rays reveal subluxation of femur. I am really afraid that I may have to have my hip fused. My parents have recently heard about having a bone graft for avascular necrosis and we are wondering if that might be the answer to our prayers. Doctors are maintaining they do not wish to perform Total Hip Replacements until I am about 50 or 60 years old. If there is anyone out ther who can give us some advise on either a hip replacement or bone graft for a 14 yr old , I would sure appreciate it.

Last changed: November 09, 1999