6cm achieved and a straight leg!!!!

At last, we have now achieved our target of 6cm and a straight leg. When we look at Ava now she seems noticeably taller (as she's not tilting her hips to accommodate the difference in leg length) and her foot is touching the floor.  The biggest sign of change is the scar on her foot from a previous operation that used to end at her ankle but is now half way up her leg. It's amazing how much her skin must have stretched to accommodate the growth.

With the length completed we are now half way through the procedure. The frame must remain on until the bone has fully developed and hardened. It is difficult to say how long this will take as it depends upon how quickly Ava's body heals (each person is different), but we are looking at 4 months at least. Ava will then go into plaster cast for 6 weeks, followed by lots of physio to get her walking again. You can't rush this phase as its crucial that Ava doesn't fall and break the bone (which would be an absolute disaster!).

Ava is booked in to have a small operation in early July to remove the bottom ring of the frame. This is the ring which is attached to Ava's foot by 4 wires. This has been holding it in place while the rotation and lengthening has taken place. This ring, or rather the wires attached to the foot, has caused Ava the most discomfort. You can tell this as the pin sites are pretty gruesome to look at. The reason for the removal of this ring is to encourage Ava to weight bear while the bone is growing and the frame is still on. She will be a very happy girl when this is off.

Ava has now been wearing the frame for 3 months and is coping remarkably well. The early days of no sleeping, crying and pain seem a distant memory (apart from pin site cleaning which is still pretty traumatic for all). She is now determined to do everything she can to keep up with her friends and take part in all activities. While some things are still impossible, she gives everything a good go (within reason as i am still very aware that she has a 6cm break in her tibia and fibula even if she isn't!). So for parents who have a child who will undergo lengthening, it is hard going. However, children adapt so well and are so resilient, and seeing your target length achieved makes it all worth it.

The countdown is now on until the frame is removed. 4 months and counting.............