Noah's Hip: Looking Back

Four years ago we found out that Noah had hip dysplasia in his right hip. Even since he had learned to walk, he had a slight limp. Our family doctor reassured us he was fine, but when we switched to a pediatrician, he discovered it right away. His right leg was shorter than the left and after numerous x-rays with a pediatric othopediac specialist, it was determined that he would need surgery to correct it. So in October 2006, just 2 months after Alora was born, Noah underwent an almost 8-hour surgery at Primary Children's Hospital (Salt Lake City) where his femur was shortened, his hip socket carved out, and bone was grafted into place. He was left to recover in a full body "spica" cast for the next three months. A year later his hardware was removed and we thought all of his hip troubles were over.

We were wrong.

About two months ago, we took Noah back in for his yearly hip check-up and x-ray; this time with a new specialist here in Phoenix. We thought everything would be progressing as normal, but the specialist informed us his leg was not rotating properly in the socket. After more x-rays and a 3-D cat scan, it was determined he would need surgery again. This time, however, the surgery isn't supposed to be as complex and his recovery should be much easier. Poor Noah has to report this coming Tuesday, November 23rd for another hip surgery. His femur will once again be cut, turned the proper direction, and then secured in place with some plates and pins. Hopefully all will go well and his hip heals how it should.

One of the first things the pediatrician did was compare Noah's legs side by side. You can see the discrepancy in height.

He also stretched out Noah's legs to check the length. The discrepancy is again very noticeable.

Halloween was just a couple of weeks after his surgery. My mom customed-made Noah's pants as well as this cowboy costume. (Because of his full body cast, he was unable to wear normal pants.)

January 8, 2007: The removal of cast #2! Wa-hoo! Goodbye annoying cast, wearing diapers, and having the most horrific wheelchair!

August 8, 2007: The area where his hardware was removed.