David V., 14

David, a reserved 14-year-old, resides with his family and attends grade six in a public school, where he excels in mathematics, his favorite subject. He aspires to become a teacher in the future. His mother earns a living by selling local food from a food cart, while his father works in construction whenever opportunities arise. David has an 11-year-old brother who shares his school and a 2-year-old sister who stays home with their mother. Despite his love for football, David grapples with feelings of embarrassment due to his height and disability, which hinder his ability to run like his peers. He experiences chronic pain and faces physical challenges stemming from congenital coxa vara. Regrettably, David's family cannot afford the expenses associated with his treatment. They appeal to Helpster Donors for assistance in covering these costs.

10 years ago David was diagnosed of Congenital Coxa Vara, a rare bone condition that, if left untreated or improperly managed, can lead to significant disability. Finally, on 01 March 2024, David had a corrective intertrochanteric osteotomy that included a greater trochanter distalization used to correct his deformity; this is the standard course of treatment. This was performed in surgery with the osteotomy and a functional lengthening of the femoral neck. Surgeons are hopeful he will have relief from his disabling gait, lessening of pain, and an improvement in the range of motion. David and his grandmother spent time with the physiotherapy team to work on bracing, positioning, and range-of-motion exercises. Eventually, he will work on weight-bearing and gait training. After almost a week in the hospital, David was able to return home. It may be many months before he can see improvement, but he has hope that he will regain some function. Many of these surgeries have been successful, and David hopes he can finish school to help support his family. David said: "Thank you to everyone who helped me. I want to be useful and have a job; now I have hope again. I will follow the instructions so I can walk well again, and not have pain."

Treatment typically involves surgical intervention aimed at addressing hip abnormalities and, in some cases, lengthening the femur to enhance joint mobility, correct leg length disparities, and reduce upper leg rotation. Currently, David complains of back pain and his spine is twisting with a fixed flexion deformity of his hips. Without surgery, this can cause irreversible damage that will cause pain and loss of function later in life. After surgery, David will have less pain, an improved gait, and can still increase his stature due to his young age.