Cerebral Palsy Orthopaedic Surgery Checklist
Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.
There are a lot of things to consider when preparing for your child to have orthopaedic surgery. Following surgery there is often a change in how you used to manage at home. It is important to remember that planning before hand can assist you to manage these changes.
The areas that need to be considered are: Home, school, transport, follow-up therapy and equipment for safe discharge. The list below outlines some of the questions that may arise. You are not expected to know all the answers! The team at the hospital is available to assist you to ensure the best possible result for your child's surgery.
- Information regarding surgery- do you understand all the procedures?
- Will your child be in plasters after surgery? If so, what type and for how long?
- Will your child be required to wear orthoses/splints that you may not have used before?
- Will your child not be allowed to weight bear after surgery and for how long?
- Will your child need a wheelchair?
- How long will your child need the wheelchair for?
- Is your home and the school your child attends wheelchair accessible?
- Do you have access to a Physiotherapist and Occupational therapist in the community?
- Do you have access to a hydrotherapy pool?
- Is a teacher's aide available at your school to help with toileting etc?
- Do you understand the rehabilitation process? How much Physiotherapy will be required?
- How will you manage your child at home while they are unable to stand?
- How will you help your child on and off the toilet?
- How will you help your child shower?
- Will you need to alter your child's clothing to make things easier?
- Set a goal. What will you and your child work towards after surgery?
- How often will you need to return to the hospital for reviews after the surgery?
- How much support do you have? Do you need respite?
- How long will your child be in hospital?
- Will you need to make arrangements around work or accommodation?
Other issues may arise and these issues can be worked through with your community Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist. The Team at The Children's Hospital Westmead can also help you with access to community therapists and provide support when able.
© The Children's Hospital at Westmead - 1997-2006
This document was published on Wednesday,
28 June 2006.
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