Many read Tess’ post on Sebastian’s knee. I will now tell you what ended up happening at the Tuesday morning follow-up appointment. This is Hong Kong. Life moves quickly and we’ve forgotten all about it but we’ve received a few e-mail inquiries for an update.

Let’s get clear why I took Sebastian to the hospital that day. Tess was correct – maybe all Seb’s knee needed was a good stretch. For two reasons I headed off to the hospital and forced Sebastian to endure the three hour hospital visit – complete with the entrance of a dead body (covered in blanket – none of us ever saw the body when the doctor looked over the stretcher for a minute then covered it back up with a blanket), a trauma case, and someone famous that attracted local paparazzi.

First, Sebastian complained of a “sharp pain inside his knee.” I’ve been a runner and a physician’s son long enough to know that’s not a good sign. Second, I wanted Sebastian to understand that injuries are taken seriously and “crying wolf” has consequences… I would not let him walk that morning and he spent three hours strapped into his stroller – not a happy chappy by the end of our ordeal. We also kept him on restricted activity for the remainder of the four-day weekend.

Some of you suggested we get a second opinion; well this was the second opinion. The Emergency Room doctor wanted a children’s orthopaedic physician to see Sebastian prior to any firm diagnosis or treatment. Flash forward to the Duchess of Kent on Tuesday morning where an orthopaedic specialist saw Sebastian. Dr. Chow was extremely pleasant and spoke excellent English. He also had a gentle bedside manner that calmed Sebastian for the few minutes needed when both knees underwent extensive pushing, pulling, twisting and prodding. Sebastian had no complaints. Dr. Chow looked at the x-rays. He asked Sebastian to walk. Finally he stood up from examining Sebastian and looked at Tess and I.

I paraphrase Dr. Chow’s next words… “There is no question the x-rays show ‘something’ on the growth plate in his knee. I suspect, however, it is probably bruising or some sort of discolouration from a few nasty falls. Upon clinical examination, I can find nothing wrong with either knee. If indeed Sebastian had a fracture or even a chip on this growth plate, he would be in considerable pain and distress. Despite my firmly poking specifically where the x-ray indicates the injury lies, he appears in no discomfort. I think Sebastian’s knee is fine. No further consultation is required. You are free to go. Thank you.”