Shriner's Hospital for Children is perhaps the most awesome hospital dedicated for the healing of children with various orthopedic issues. Both Steven and Samuel were seen by the specialists this time.
Steven's visit revealed improvement with his range of motion in his upper extremities. We attribute this to allowing him to be a kid and play outdoors. There has not been any signficant change with his lower limbs. The occupational therapists feel that Steven is doing very well. As far as future prognosis, the doctors believe Steven would benefit from genetic tests to determine his type of arthrogryposis. Then they may be able to plot a more specific plan of action as Steven grows and develops. If his knees bend inward too much, they can insert plates to straighten out his limbs and improve his gait. This does not mean that his knees will bend. In fact, they feel if they perform surgery to release his lower limbs, there may be detrimental results. Steven begins occupational therapy in school very soon. They will help him to perform basic functions of daily life such as button, tie, snap etc... .
Samuel also visited with the doctor. X-rays showed that Samuel has an elbow (this is good), but his radial is detached (not unusual for his condition). They are impressed with Samuel's ability to adapt. He met with a pediatric orthopedist who construct prosthetic devices for children. He believes that Samuel would not benefit from the artificial limbs. However, if Samuel wanted to play a musical instrument, Shriners will construct a special limb to accommodate the instrument. He told us of a man who built a saxophone that could be played with one hand.
On a side note, we're doing our best to keep dry as the hurricane Ida (now a tropical storm) moves up the coast, dropping several inches of rain in its wake. Thank the Lord we are perched on a hilltop and have received very little water in our basement.
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