Your child receives a continuous flow of postoperative pain medication through a small, soft catheter near the spine. Our care team will transition to oral pain medication as your child heals.
Your child’s doctors and care team will provide instructions and guidance about post-surgical care. For the first day or two, your child’s legs need to be kept as straight as possible, with hips and knees extended. Doctors may recommend devices such as knee immobilizers to help maintain this position and keep muscles stretched.
Some children need serial casts – short leg casts changed every three to seven days, repositioning the ankle each time. This helps to stretch your child’s calf and ankle area.
For several days after surgery, some children experience tingling or numbness in their legs or feet, which is usually temporary. If it is bothersome or painful, your child’s doctor can prescribe helpful medication.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Your child will need extensive therapy, which begins in our inpatient rehabilitation unit. This typically includes physical and occupational (daily skills) therapies for at least three hours a day, six days a week. Depending on your child’s condition, the inpatient rehabilitation can take three to four weeks.
During physical therapy, our therapists work on stretching, strengthening and balance. It’s normal for children to find it hard to stand or walk at first. Our therapists encourage, guide and help as your child progresses.
Occupational therapists help your child to regain and strengthen self-care skills once SDR has reduced stiffness and improved the ability to move. Before going home, your child builds strength and relearns mobility skills. Some children require braces, walkers, wheelchairs or other assistive devices when they first go home.
Outpatient Therapy
Recovery and improvements continue through outpatient therapy with, on average, three weekly visits for at least six months. Our case manager will help you with arrangements, either through a Phoenix Children’s outpatient therapy facility or closer to home if that’s more convenient.
It might take a year or more until your child has fully improved. If there are still areas of tightness or deformity, your child’s doctor may discuss orthopedic surgery.