ABSTRACT
Mandy was twelve years old when she was admitted to the paediatric ward of a general hospital for three weeks, in order to undergo detailed investigations to identify the reason for her “nine-year history of hip pain, starting at the age of three, when she recounts her inability to bear weight on her right leg”. Mandy looked younger than her actual age. Mandy was a gifted musician, playing several instruments, besides being part of the school choir. At the hospital, the physiotherapist and the occupational therapist had developed a sophisticated team to work with children with orthopaedic problems and their report on Mandy gave a vivid description of her condition. Mandy walks with an unusual gait. Mandy’s birth and early developmental milestones had been unremarkable. She was described as a happy and healthy baby, who was the big attraction in her wider family, being the first grandchild to be born.
