Hand Surgery #3

We leave tomorrow for Boston for Jake to have his thumbs straightened.  We started to travel to Boston for Dr. Upton when a local surgeon had first indicated Jake would only have 4 fingers on each hand.   Dr. Upton performed his surgical magic and Jake has 5 fingers on each so we felt it important to maintain the surgical consistency.  Jake faces 2 surgeries separated by 1 month with the end goal to straighten and lengthen the thumb for added function.  Medically, I am told it is an Osteotomy; phlanx of each finger and an application of a multiplane.  This first surgery will install a device into Jake's right hand to help space out and prep the hand for the second step in a month which will add a pin or bone graft to help lengthen the finger once it is straightened.   In all, there will be 4 procedures on both hands between this spring and next fall.   Jake is already a veteran of surgical procedures as most apert children and their families experience.  This will mark his 8th surgical procedure in almost five years of his young life.  These trips are always hard as we have to leave the Luke and Olivia home with loved ones but keeping them on their normal routine is important while we accompany Jake on his continued path.    Jake's surgery will take place Wednesday afternoon and we will update the blog so everyone can be informed of his progress.  We are thankful to all of our friends and family who are lending a hand to allow us to leave town and ensure the best for Jake.