Julianne's x-rayJulianne and I met with Dr. Cornwall, a pediatric hand specialist, from Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. He did a good job of informing me on Radial Longitudinal Deficiency (used to be called Radial Club Hand). Julianne is completely missing her radius and metacarpal to her thumb in addition to wrist bones. He determined that since she is able to bend her elbow 90 degrees then she is a candidate for the centralization surgery. This will make an attempt to straighten her wrist but it would not be completely straight - probably 60 % better then how it is now. From my understanding (keep in mind I had a 14 month old on my lap when he was talking to me), they will insert pins in her wrist to stabilize it with her ulna. Her arm would then be casted for several weeks. In due time, her wrist may "topple" back near its current position, so he said. Her surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5. For those in my travel group: there is a possibility that Christy (Grace's mom) will be our nurse during surgery.
Once this is completed then sometime this summer she will have her thumb removed since it is nonfunctional (has bones but are not attached to anything). Here is the cool part: They will take her pointer finger and move it to where her thumb should be. Dr. Cornwall states that it should look like the real deal. Did you know Dora, Diego, Handy Manny, Mickey Mouse, etc. all have three fingers and a thumb? She will fit right in with the best.
When Julianne turns around six or seven then they will do a procedure that will lengthen her arm. Amazing stuff.
7 comments:
Wow!! So much happening in her little life. SO glad you posted an update. I'll put it on my calendar and say a special little prayer for her that day and in the days following.
She is such a cutie:)
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Jenn
It is amazing what they can do! We'll be at Children's a lot also, so maybe we'll meet again! Shan
Keeping that cutie in my thoughts as the big day comes up..Glad to hear such wonderful news.
DC
WOW - all things considered that's a pretty good prognosis from where we are sitting! If there is anything at all you need I work literally 10 minutes from Children's, and can be there from home in 15 if I try! :) Anything at all you might need just let us know!
Prayers and hugs -
aus and co.
The doctors now days are wonderful and the technology we have now is amazing. We will keep her and your family in our thoughts and prayers as the big day comes near.
Snuffy and Rusti
Will be praying for her upcoming surgery. Surgeons are amazing!
This is just amazing news. Keep the posts coming. All the best.
Sue
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