Bryant's Traction- Final Recap

Our daughter has completed her month of traction.  Mommy and Daddy are thrilled with her accomplishment!  Her taping appointment already feels like a distant memory.  The photo above was snapped immediately after her legs were taped, during her test drive through Scottish Rite.  As we prepare for her surgery this coming Monday and subsequent spica cast care, below are our closing traction thoughts:

1. Hip Chick seemed to have a rough third week, how was her disposition for the last week of traction?

In regard to emotional maintenance, her third week was the most difficult.  She has been fighting us more on trying to walk this last week- which is understandable. Overall, she remains in decent spirits for her situation.

2. What has been the most surprising aspect of her traction process?

We have been most surprised at her ability to sleep soundly.  She has both napped and slept overnight while attached to the unit every day since we brought the traction unit home.  We had anticipated this would be our largest battle, but could not have been more wrong.

3. How has the traction phase affected her developmental progression?

Our 22 month old daughter's vocabulary has exploded.  She already held an expanded vocabulary prior to traction.  Now that she must rely on speech as her primary interactive tool, she seems to have jumped months ahead in regard to how she utilizes it.  She has begun bargaining to "sit right there a minute" in attempt to be placed onto the couch instead of back into the traction unit, for example.  

4. What advice do we have for parents of older toddlers who need Bryant's Traction for developmental dysplasia of the hip?

•Rotate, rotate, rotate activities.  

•Hide new toys and gifts in the weeks leading up to traction so you have a reservoir of distraction aides for difficult moments.

•Creativity is key.

•Now is the time to indulge children's tv programming and animated films.

•A beloved and empathetic sibling is the best aid.  

•As parents, plan to spend extensive one-on-one time with your child on the floor, sitting on the traction mat if necessary.  

•An oversized bean bag is a parent's best friend.

•Use the wagon and take your child outside.  

•For mealtimes, leave your child attached to the unit until the meal is ready to eat.  This minimizes time out of the unit.

•Plan for easy to prepare, low fuss meals.  Order in and accept offers to bring you food.  Now is not the time to be an Iron Chef.

•This age is mischievious and curious and so requires heavy monitoring while in the unit.

•Buy dry shampoo- especially if you are preparing for traction and spica casting.

•Your child will adopt no more of a cheery disposition than you model for them.  

•Emotional lows and bouts of frustration are to be expected. It is our job as parents to maintain composure, not theirs.

Last and most important:

You have one shot to get this right for your child.  Give it your all and hope for the best.