As we transition from surgery to rehab, I wanted to explain in more detail about Eloise's procedures. The first two surgeries she had last week were on her left leg.
1. Ankle surgery - Eloise's ankle was maloriented. Her talus bone and calcaneus bone were positioned next to each other instead of on top of each other. Here is a picture of a normal foot. Basically, Dr. Paley had to separate the bones and re-position them on top of each other. He had to place wires through the heel to secure the bones. These will be removed at some point in the future.
2. Leg lengthening - Because of the fibular hemimelia, Eloise was born with a partial fibula bone in both legs. However, the left leg was more severe than the right. This caused her left leg to be shorter than the right. Leg lengthening of 5 cm on the left leg was needed to get matching leg lengths on both legs at full maturity.
The fixator you see on her leg is needed for the lengthening and straightening of the tibia bone. Dr. Paley broke her tibia bone and slightly separated it. He then put screws in her leg that connect to the fixator. Each day we will turn the screws slightly to separate the tibia bone. New bone grows in the separated area. The fixator will be on her leg for approximately 5-6 months. She is allowed to put weight on it now but is a little apprehensive. It will probably be a week or so before she is walking on it.
Dr. Paley and his staff are truly amazing. Most of the kids here would be left with prosthetic legs if not for him. We are truly blessed to have found him.
We move into the Quantum House tomorrow. This will be our home until February 1st. It is similar to a Ronald McDonald House and is on the grounds of the hospital. We will share the home with 9 other of Dr. Paley's patients. Will post some pictures tomorrow. Hope all of you are doing well!
1. Ankle surgery - Eloise's ankle was maloriented. Her talus bone and calcaneus bone were positioned next to each other instead of on top of each other. Here is a picture of a normal foot. Basically, Dr. Paley had to separate the bones and re-position them on top of each other. He had to place wires through the heel to secure the bones. These will be removed at some point in the future.
2. Leg lengthening - Because of the fibular hemimelia, Eloise was born with a partial fibula bone in both legs. However, the left leg was more severe than the right. This caused her left leg to be shorter than the right. Leg lengthening of 5 cm on the left leg was needed to get matching leg lengths on both legs at full maturity.
The fixator you see on her leg is needed for the lengthening and straightening of the tibia bone. Dr. Paley broke her tibia bone and slightly separated it. He then put screws in her leg that connect to the fixator. Each day we will turn the screws slightly to separate the tibia bone. New bone grows in the separated area. The fixator will be on her leg for approximately 5-6 months. She is allowed to put weight on it now but is a little apprehensive. It will probably be a week or so before she is walking on it.
Dr. Paley and his staff are truly amazing. Most of the kids here would be left with prosthetic legs if not for him. We are truly blessed to have found him.
We move into the Quantum House tomorrow. This will be our home until February 1st. It is similar to a Ronald McDonald House and is on the grounds of the hospital. We will share the home with 9 other of Dr. Paley's patients. Will post some pictures tomorrow. Hope all of you are doing well!
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