hamstring surgery
Hi
I wonder if you could help me. My little girl who is 11 has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and walks with a kaye walker. She has had two major hip operations in the past 3 years and has taken about about a year to fully recover from each one. We had an appointment with her orthopaedic surgeon the other day who suggested hamstring surgery on both legs and putting metal plates above both knees to encourage them to grow in a straighter position and then plaster casting for 3 weeks.
I just wonder if any of you have had anything like this done for your child ie how painful it is and how long to took for them to recover. I am a bit reluctant to put her through major surgery again as she is just starting to enjoy life again as the last 3 years have been spent recovering from surgery. Is there any alternative to helping the hamstrings that does not involve surgery as she still has a lot of growing to do as she is just 11.
Thanks
Anne xxx
hi, I'm 26 and have spastic diplegia. I had loads of surgery when I was younger, so can understand where you're coming from.
My hamstrings have always been really tight, and have had lots done to help lengthen them. I have had botox as an alternative to surgery and loads of different physio type things.
When was younger I used a standing frame alot to force my knees straight and stretch my hamstrings, I wear leg gaiters overnight and at times during the day, I have done this since I was really young.
I think stretching and botox have really helped keep my hamstrings lengthened.
Hope this helps
chris