Second Opinions

So - here's the break down:

In April of 2009 Quinn's original foot doctor, Dr. Bielski, recommended a sliding heel osteotomy.

In September of 2009 Dr. Bielski recommended a lateral column lengthening with medial imbrication.

In February of 2010 Dr. Bielski recommended a lateral column lengthening. Both feet at the same time.

In April of 2010 I found a parent whose son has had various surgeries with Dr. Bielski and she LOVES him.

Today I took Quinn to get a second opinion. Dr. Ibrahim took one look at Quinn and basically said, "As soon as you are comfortable with surgery he's ready for surgery. And we cannot correct his feet with orthotics." Dr. Ibrahim recommends a lateral column lengthening AND a sliding heel osteotomy. Dr. Ibrahim prefers to do one foot at a time.

Dr. Bielski prefers doing both at once, because, as he said, "Once Quinn experiences his first surgery he will be much more anxious about the second."

Dr. Ibrahim prefers one at a time so that Quinn will be able to be more independent during the process. He said we could do one foot in early May and the other in October so that the entire summer is not ruined.

Dr. Bielski works out of the University of Chicago and, I'm assuming, only performs surgery out of the Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago.

Dr. Ibrahim performs his surgeries out of Elmhurst Hospital or Good Sam's.

I was really hoping I'd go for a second opinion and the doctor would say, "Why are you here? Dr. Bielski is the best. Trust him and go with him." And well, I'm happy that they both agree, sort of... there's these little differences. And who is the better surgeon? What is the better hospital?