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7 year old daughter

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  • 7 year old daughter

    Our orthopedic doctor has diagnosed our daughter with scoliosis.
    We don't know th degree of curvature yet as she has been referred to an orthopedic surgeon and we see him next month.
    She doesn't complain of any pain or discomfort. She seems to be a normal 7 year old....very active, involved in sports, etc.

    She was born with bilateral hip displaysia....dislocation of the hips.
    Wore body casts and hip reduction surgery on one hip before she turned one. Now everything is okay with that but about a month ago we noticed her back looked abnormal and at her annual checkup on her hips we asked the doctor about it. That's when we found out. But he said he didn't think there was any relation.

    I don't know what to do between now and her appt. but the unknown is killing me and her mother. Just thought I'd write.

  • #2
    Jamci - Welcome to the board. I know the waiting is the hardest. I HATE the unknown. Its easier to have the facts, and take care of the problem at hand. When you don't know what the facts are, its hard not to let your mind wander and worry about things you probably won't need to worry about at all. Your feelings are very normal (nice to know life is "normal" right? LOL).

    Seriously, before you get too worried, it will be a good idea to talk with a PEDIATRIC orthopedist who specializes in scoliosis in young children. Since your daughter had hip dysplasia, I would make sure you saw a specialist who has had many patients with a similar medical background. My son had bilateral hip dysplasia (no treatment needed) and has right leg dysplasia (right leg is 4cms shorter than left). His right foot is a clubfoot (surgically repaired). I mention this because the spine is the center part of the body, and each part of the body is effected by the spine. Her hip problem and spine problem may not be related, but the effects of the spine curvature could certainly reflect in her hips.

    Write down a list of questions that are specific to your daughter, in priority order. Maybe even call ahead of your appointment and see if they have scheduled time for the doc to discuss questions. You need to have 100% confidence in the medical professional who may be treating your daughter. Scoliosis in a 7yr old is probably something you will be dealing with for a long time - its not a one-time, quick fix. That's okay. Being informed and aware of the details is your best bet.

    I would ask if they know if her scoliosis is idiopathic or congenital. Each may have a different recommendation for treatment. Is her curve in her thoracic spine or lumbar spine or cervical?

    Good luck and let us know how things go.
    Carmell
    mom to Kara, idiopathic scoliosis, Blake 19, GERD and Braydon 14, VACTERL, GERD, DGE, VEPTR #137, thoracic insufficiency, rib anomalies, congenital scoliosis, missing coccyx, fatty filum/TC, anal stenosis, horseshoe kidney, dbl ureter in left kidney, ureterocele, kidney reflux, neurogenic bladder, bilateral hip dysplasia, right leg/foot dyplasia, tibial torsion, clubfoot with 8 toes, pes cavus, single umblilical artery, etc. http://carmellb-ivil.tripod.com/myfamily/

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    • #3
      Carmell

      Thanks for your reply. I try not to let my my wander, but in trying to educate myself on scoliosis you run into causes and other things on different sites so it's hard not to worry about those things.

      We have been referred to a Pediatric Orthopedist at John's Hopkins in Baltimore. I've researched the dr. and so far so good.
      He's a professor there and also the Chief Surgeon of the unit and specializes in scoliosis. Although we haven't met him, our local orthopedist speaks highly of him and has spoke to him about our daughters case. Seems like they have a good relationship and our orthopedist says that he has recommended him to other local families so I can probably find someone who'll share their experience with this Dr.

      Although we haven't seen the dr. yet, the curve looks to be middle to upper back. (I have the xrays) The degree of curvature hasn't been measured yet. Our dr. said it was severe.
      Comparing the xray to others found on the internet, it doesn't look bad compared to those with what is described as a small curve. However, the xrays that I'm finding aren't of 7 year olds either. They're older and mostly in their teens.

      Most of my worrying is about how this will affect her. She's very outgoing and "open". (I think I've created a monster.) She has an older sister (10) and they do everything together so she acts more like a 10 year old. She's not shy and everyone she meets is her friend. I just don't want her to change.

      Well enough for now. Thanks again for your reply. I hope everything is going well with your son.

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