Tomek’s parents learned about the Paley European Institute through an online forum for parents of children with disabilities. They promptly scheduled an initial consultation with J. Michał Deszczyński MD. In Tomek’s case, who is dealing with cerebral palsy, there was a noticeable deformity in the skeletal structure of his lower limbs. Over time, Tomek experienced escalating leg pain and faced increasing difficulty in walking. Alongside the bone deformities, he also struggled with progressive muscle and joint tension. The length of Tomek’s peroneal nerve was insufficient, preventing him from fully flexing or extending his knees.

Following his first surgery, which involved simultaneous derotation of the femurs and tibias along with the release of individual muscles and soft tissues, Tomek successfully straightened his knees, resulting in an improved overall posture. Subsequently, our medical team proceeded to address his feet by reconstructing the ankle joint. These two treatments, combined with intensive rehabilitation, enabled Tomek to embark on a vacation with his parents to the Polish Tatra Mountains. During this trip, he reached places that were previously only accessible to him while using a wheelchair.

Surgery represents just one component of the overall treatment plan. Equally crucial, if not more so, is daily rehabilitation, which serves as a complement to surgery. Rehabilitation plays a vital role in reinforcing the results of the operation and facilitating the learning of a new, proper gait pattern.