Our daughter started having pain five years ago in hip/pelvis/legs. We saw leading orthopedic docs here in Westchester and Fairfield counties who either misdiagnosed her issues or predicted she would ultimately outgrow the severity of pain, all of which we knew had to be incorrect. We got to HSS last June starting with Drs. Green and Sink, both of whom encouraged us to see Dr. Buly as they felt was the best surgeon to address Emma's complications from her femoral anteversions.
We will never forget our first consult. When we arrived, Dr. Buly had all of Emma's x-rays out and had, with a sharpie, labeled her different rotational degrees on both legs. Dr. Buly identified all the different abnormalities concisely, clearly and WITH WARMTH and went on to explain how and why he felt he could address her needs over several surgeries. This is the first time in five years we felt hope for our daughter, whose life had come to screeching halt from so much pain.
Surgery one was done in October. The first thing E. said when she woke up is "I know the pain I am feeling is surgical, not bone irritation."
Dr. Buly is surrounded and supported by great staff as well. His clinical nurse and office administrators never ever once made us feel like we could not call, ask, question or make suggestions. This process has been so collaborative with all of us and that is due to this unit of people who all genuinely care about not just outcomes but their patients in general.
Part 2:
As Emma was recuperating from her first surgery, we were planning her second osteotomy, which we knew all along would be a far more elaborate surgery as we knew there were labral tears to mend and a few other issues. There was one question that did not have a clear answer: would Emma’s left foot rotate over time on its own to be in line with her leg bones?
We could not have been more fortunate that Dr. Buly had us meet Dr. Rozbruch, known for his work on bone deformities and lengthening.
Just like Dr. Buly, Dr. Rozbruch was welcoming and prepared. And quickly into the consultation, he informed us that our daughter’s left leg was longer than her right. In that moment, we felt our first surprise and then immediate gratitude that this additional issue was identified, making the entire picture clear and we were truly moving toward a finality. Settling on having Dr. Buly and Dr. Rozbruch collaborate was an easy decision.
Emma's second surgery was performed on March 17, 2015. What a team Emma had! Drs. Buly and Rozbruch and their clinical teams were always responsive by email with our last minute questions and check ins. They put us at ease in pre-op room [at 5:00am no less] with their high energy, reviewing the procedures again and sharing with Emma their music list for the surgery. We were apprised during the surgery as each step was completed. Such professionalism at HSS.
Other thank yous are in order: We are further indebted to HSS as a whole: the administrative and clinical teams of Drs. Buly and Rozbruch, Dr. Perlman, [the pediatrician] and the ENTIRE peed unit staff for caring for Emma for ten days impeccably, until we could get her to Burke Rehab.
Drs. Buly and Rozbruch are problem solvers with the strongest dose of human kindness, generosity and drive so that their patients can resume and be in control of their games of life. They are simply amazing beings and all we can say is thank you from the bottoms of our hearts and souls.
Emma, after enduring five years of nonstop, life halting pain, is on her way to her new life: college, being able to resume sports, sleep better and to having a truly pain free life.
Part 3: double femoral anteversion update
Our daughter's end was punctuated by the removal of all the rods and screws by Dr. Buly in May 2016. As we wrote in Parts 1 and 2, Emma would not have any quality of life if it were not for HSS, especially Dr. Buly. Emma got her life back IN FULL. She continues with PT and to exercise to get her muscles stronger. After 5 years of unrelenting pain, missed diagnoses and finally getting to HSS 2 years ago, our daughter glows and takes advantage of each day before her. The care from the moment you arrive to the minute you leave is impeccable. We can attest to that! With gratitude Jenny and David Goldsmith
Osteotomy
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