What should I expect if my child has hip surgery involving the bone?

This of course depends on the child, the doctor, and the disease. Here are some generalized expectations that can vary widely.

The children with osteotomies tend to spend one to three nights in the hospital. They may or may not require a cast after surgery. If they are casted, then it is usually for 6 weeks. Most children take oral pain medicine for about a week after surgery. They are typically out of school for one week. Their doctor usually will want to see them post operatively around 1-2 weeks and again at 6 weeks. They will be intermittently followed with visits and x-rays until maturity. Your child will have limited weight bearing for at least 6 weeks and sometimes up to 6 months. They will typically need a lesser surgical procedure for the removal of the metal implant 6-12 months down the road.