A Plan to Save Aria's Hips

Our little warrior girl was diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia shortly after coming home. We have been monitoring her hips since then and had been hoping that with the help of medication, Botox injections and standing in abduction daily, we'd be able to avoid surgery. Unfortunately, her hips have not improved although they have remained fairly stable at about 60 - 70% out of socket. If they were to come fully out of socket, it would be a loosing battle to keep them in.

After consulting with two orthopedists, we are moving forward with tendon lengthening surgery on August 4th in order to save her hips. The orthopedist will be making four incisions - one in each groin area and one behind each knee. They will then cut the tendons that are causing her leg tightness. The hope is that without the tightness in her legs, the ball of her hip will be able to slide further into the socket.

Following surgery she will be in a spica cast that will go from her waist to her ankles for 3 weeks, after which she will be in a brace for several more weeks.  She has come so far with her gross motor skills - using her gait trainer and new assisted crawling device - as well as gaining weight along a decent curve. We are worried about how this procedure will affect her, but know that it has to be done in order to help save her hips.

Please keep Aria in your prayers. She is scheduled for surgery at 8:30 am on Tuesday, August 4th. Pray for a successful surgery. Pray that she stays safe throughout the procedure. Pray that her pain is minimal.