Medical Diagnosis

When we left Baltimore, we were given a letter to take to our local physical therapist that detailed Kelli's condition and the surgery that was performed on her leg. I copied down what was written so I could do a little research.

This is her official diagnosis along with descriptions of each that I found through an online search. In the next day or two I hope to be able to post a more detailed description of the surgical procedure because I know many people have asked about it.

1. left coxa vara   (decrease of the femoral neck shaft angle to less than 120-135)

2. left congential femoral deficiency   (shortened femur)

3. left hip abduction contracture   (Permanent fixation of the hip in primary positions - in Kelli's case the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body,- with limited passive or active motion at the hip joint. Locomotion is difficult and pain is sometimes present when the hip is in motion.)

4. left hip flexion contracture    (A person is said to have flexion contracture if he cannot bend his knee properly. It is a deformity when the patient cannot fully straighten their legs either actively or passively. A flexion contracture patient may walk with a limp and may find normal activities more demanding in terms of energy needed and utilized.)

5. entrapment of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve     (a nerve that supplies sensation to the surface of your outer thigh — becomes compressed, or "pinched." The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is purely a sensory nerve and does not affect your ability to use your leg muscles.)

6. nonunion of left femoral neck   (a section of bone has not yet ossified, it is still cartilage)

7. acetabular dysplasia   (the femoral head is not completely covered by the acetabulum (socket), the hip is unstable, may become painful and eventually develop osteoarthritis)

All of that was a lot for me to digest. Why does my sweet little one have to deal with such a difficult condition? I know I may never receive an answer on this side of heaven. But right now my heart aches for her. I wish I could make all of this better for her, but I can't. All I can do is be there for her, encourage her, and support her through this journey.