Irish baby becomes youngest to undergo pioneering surgery

AN Irish child has become the youngest person in the world to undergo pioneering surgery, which may help him walk for the first time.

Joshua Duffy-Huff, who has not yet celebrated his first birthday, underwent treatment a few days ago in the American city of Michigan.

Joshua, from Castletownroche, Co Cork, was born with arthrogryposis, a rare congenital condition which causes abnormalities in the joints.

Joshua’s legs were completely twisted behind his back and when just a month old surgeons had to amputate them below the knee.

His mother Gillian said that Irish doctors told them there was no hope for Joshua and that he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

However, educational psychologist, Valerie Creedon, who worked with Joshua’s autistic older brother heard of his plight and made contact with Michigan-based doctor Greg Greenway, and he agreed to help Joshua.

American Airlines offered a free round trip so he could undergo the pioneering operation.

Dr Greenway fitted the child with sockets which will eventually allow prosthetic legs to be attached to Joshua. At present the sockets have been attached to platforms which will allow Joshua to learn to stand.

“It was simply mindblowing. We got a phone call last week asking us if we could fly over. To go from being told that your son will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life to hope that he may walk is so hard to take in,” Joshua’s mother said.

She added that as soon as the prosthetics were fitted Joshua began to roll around for the first time.

“The ultimate hope is for Joshua to have as much independence as possible. For now we are looking forward to celebrating Joshua’s first birthday,” she said.