10 yr old with Blount's disease/ Ilizarov frame

[naomijoe]

Hi there,

My 10 yr old daughter has been diagnosed with Blounts Disease, which is a rare condition which affects the growth plates in the knees, and results in bowing of the legs. She will have quite major surgery soon , after which she has to wear an Ilizarov metal frame which holds pins going into the legs for six months. The frame looks pretty scary, and carries risk of infections at the pin sites into the legs. I'm also not sure how you deal with clothes as it is pretty large and bulky. I am also really worried about the amount of pain she might experience as the frame both straightens and stretches the leg.

If anyone has experience of either Blount's or these type of frames, I would really appreciate any advice you can offer.
Thanks very much
Sara

I suspect you must have been to a pretty specialised paediatric orthopaedic dept for all this?
They should have a specialist nurse, either ward based, or working from outpatients, a good start would be to phone the paediatric orthopaedic ward and speak to Sister and see who she thinks would be the best member of staff.
They may even be willing to pass your details on to other families ahead of you in the process, to make contact that way.
There is a good patient leaflet if you google 'othopediatrics blounts', however be warned that it may represent USA practice and therefore not be identical to UK techniques.
Good luck!

Naomijoe - I have replied on your other thread about this!