Born and diagnosed with Arthrogryposis. Kya then transferred to Columbus children’s hospital. She remained in the Neo-Natel Intensive Care Unit (N.I.C.U) for seven days. During this week she was evaulated by Orthopedics, Genetics, Neurology, Physical/Occupational Therapy and Physical Medicine. Her attending physician also ordered numerous x-rays. The results of which were that Kya was also afflicted with scoliosis and bilateral hip dislocation. Kya’s MRI results were normal.
On her third day in the N.I.C.U. her arm casts were applied. She would be casted nearly ever week for the first year of her life. The serial casting was a means to correct her contractures. The next day her legs were casted. The casts extended from her hips down to her toes. She recieved weekly cast changes on her legs as well.
After a week in the N.I.C.U. we knew little about Arthrogryposis as a whole. We knew that it was rare. We knew that it is an anomoly, and that there was nothing that could’ve been done to prevent it. Kya was born after a 39 week pregnancy. She never lacked amniotic fluid and my uterus was shaped normally. There were no anwers as to why our daughter had this condition, but as a family we would rise to every challenge that Arthrogryposis would pose.
Kya is aspirating each time she eats. Dr. Beth Ellingwood orders a breathing treatment and has her admitted to Children’s for overnight observation. The next day she completes a Swalow Study. The results show that Kya must have her liquids thickened in order to prevent her aspirating.
Dr. Klamar completes a bilateral release of Kya’s tendons. This allows her feet to be moved up and down. Prior to this, they were in a fixed position.
Dr. Klamar completes bilateral posterior releases. The surgery is a corrective measure in the positioning of the feet. Once the surgery was complete, he placed her in plaster casts for one week. The following week he repositioned the foot and placed her in a new cast. Once her feet healed, Kya was fitted with a pair of AFO’s in order to maintain the position of her feet.
Dr. Klamar completes bilateral hip open reductions and applies a hip spica cast. This surgery corrected the bilateral dislocation of Kya’s hips.
We celebrated Kya’s First birthday!! Unfortunately, she was in a 10lb. hip spica cast, but in just one year, a world of progress was made.
Dr. Klamar completes a manipulation of Kya’s hip joints and applies a new hip spica cast.
Dr. Klamar completes a hip spica cast change
Kya’s little sister arrives! The birth is completely uneventful and the baby has a clean bill of health 
Dr. Popp completes a transplant of Kya’s left hand tendon.This surgery allowed Kya to move her wrist up and down. Prior to the surgery it was in a fixed position. The surgeon also moved her thumb in order for it to be used a post. At birth her thumbs wer abducted to her palms.
Dr. Popp removes the support implant from Kya’s wrist.
Dr. Klamar applies leg casts three seperate times this month . The casts were to assist in the positioning of her legs.
Dr. Klamar completes a revision of her clubfoot. The surgery was on her left foot. She was casted after surgery to maintain the positioning he accomplished during the proceedure. It was amazing to see Kya’s foot flat once the cast was removed. To maintain the straight position Kya was fitted with a new pair of AFO’s.
