SMOs

At the end of July, Kai had an orthopedic appointment at Gillette. I think the doctor was surprised by Kai's gain on gross motor skills. The last time Kai saw this doctor, he was barely crawling. He again does NOT recommend surgery for Kai's dislocated hips. He examined him and looked at his significant amount of hyperlaxity. He also commented on his instability at the ankles and knees. Then we went on and discussed his braces. Prior to this appointment, Kai had AFO braces (they went from his feet all the way up to his knees). It was decided that we would have Kai try a different kind of braces. This would still give him some support, but yet give him a little flexibility with movement. So they took his AFO's and cut them down to SMO's (Supra Melleolar Orthosis). Below is a picture of the new braces (well the same braces, just cut down). So these are going to give him the foot and ankle support, but allowing him more mobility. We are to touch base with the rehabilitation doctor (who we see this Friday) and talk about how these are working for him. He may have to get some other kind of bracing in the future as he gains more gross motor skills. In a previous post, there was a picture of Kai in a new walker. He will be getting one of his own, hopefully sooner or later. Right now the paperwork is getting sent into insurance.