05/23/2026
Friday we met with DR. Jason.Howard.. can’t believe we lucked into having him on Hudson’s team! He is the top orthopaedic surgeon.. on top of all the mind blowing things he has under his belt from all over the world, including writing text books! He has been a specialist with Spinal Muscular Atrophy for over 20 years!!
Keep an eye out because he is currently working on changing the whole category system for SMA, he has a lot of big amazing things coming into play.
We thought his joint was only out 33% which is what had the drs here concerned and caused the referral.. but we found out it’s actually out 50% so much worse then we had thought on both sides.
We have a plan.. Hudson will be getting a less invasive surgery, it will be very very similar to the screw thru the bone plan we thought he’d look at. However he has invented a new device for this surgery that will allow it to grow some with Hudson.. firstly with the screw option that’s available Hudson would need to go back every year to get it adjusted (as a growing boy things do pull away as you grow).. BUT with the new similar screw option it will be able to grow with him some, which means he would only need to get it adjusted every 4 years or so.
This is not approved/used currently, however Hudson is a perfect candidate for this new device so paper work is being started to get approval. ***This is HUGE as Hudson will be the 2nd person in the world with this new option***As with any option there is a chance something could go wrong and it could turn into a major hip surgery that moment, main issue that could arise would be the bone cracking when it’s being put in.. however DR Jason Howard as done this surgery with the regular screw option for over 7 years with absolutely no issues.. and the new device is very similar to the screw (as it is kind of an adjustable screw).. there is absolutely no doubt Hudson is in the best hands he could be in, in the whole world not just at IWK.. The Dr is booked over over a year, given the seriousness he will have Hudson booked in within 3-6 months for the surgery. We will need to see a lung specialist (which he was surprised we haven’t seen yet given his SMA) before the surgery, they are going to see if they can find one in NB for what is needed otherwise there is a good chance it will be another trip to the IWK to see his guy.
This surgery will need to be done on both left and right sides of his hips.
The dr checked Hudson’s spine as well and was happy it was still pretty straight.
He answered all our questions including me prying for any recommendations/things to help Hudson given DR.Howard’s experience, and did make me feel a little better as he thinks we’re doing everything we can to help him improve..etc .. anyone with a disabled child knows that no matter hard you work or try you always kinda feel like you’re failing your child, so it’s nice with professionals help reassure I’m doing anything I can.
Dr.Howard did give some info that surprisingly has never been given, including that he should have some kind of stander where he can learn to push himself some.. when we had told him we have been told he has no muscle, he pointed right to Hudson moving and and told us he has muscle he can see it!
They also got fresh X-rays of Hudson’s hips, which literally took 2 seconds and no tears from Hudson.. the DECH in Freddy could really take a lesson from them haha
Now the surgery isn’t going to stop Hudson from needing major surgery, but if it does its job it will prolong it for years.. As of right now he doesn’t believe it causes him any pain but that changes the older he gets. Hudson being 4 is the perfect age for this surgery to help him, as he wouldn’t do even the regular screws for anyone under 3.
So now we wait for Hudson to be apart of a ground breaking procedure that will change many people’s life’s once it’s fully approved. It will take at least 2 weeks before things can be submitted to get Hudson approved for this new option. So thankful we lucked into getting DR Howard for this next bump in the road🥰
Muscular Dystrophy CanadaSpinal Muscular Atrophy SupportSMA AwarenessCure SMA Canada
