Hemiplegic gait- does it cripple?

[kayakka]

Hi all. I have stepson who acquired a severe head injury aged 2 1/2 years. He has a lop-sided hemiplegic gait, which his occupational therapist said would lead to him wearing out his hip-joint by the time he is 30. He is 21 now. We discourage him from doing too much walking even though he loves getting out and about. Does anyone have experience of the long-term effects of this or similar condition? We'd hate to see him back in a wheelchair but also want him to live as normally as possible.

[pennst8r]

I wish I had more info for you. From what I've seen at work, this is entirely possible. Though it is possible to live a full life even in w wheelchair. Have you tried seeking help at a large university facility? They frequently are able to offer the very latest advances. Are there any near you?

Penn

[kayakka]

Cheers, Penn. He has had LOTS of physio, and ops such as sub-talar fusion to help him walk easier. He wants to work, and who could blame him, and that involves lots of walking. I take it you mean corrective surgery when you say the latest advances. I will look into it further when I get over my current issues. Cheers