Now aged eight, Athena was diagnosed a severe form of hip dysplasia at two weeks old.A girl who spent the first two years of her of her life with her legs in a harness and casts has had her story turned into a children's book.Following her treatment at Southampton Children's Hospital, which was part of an international trial, she is now able to enjoy an active childhood.
She was fitted with a special harness, but after 10 days she suffered with a femoral nerve palsy, an extremely rare event where the nerve gets trapped causing loss of movement. "The traction allows the muscles to relax and pulls the hips into a better position, avoiding complications and making surgery more successful."The unusual-shaped cast that covers both legs, waist and abdomen became known as her "magic trousers".
He said: "Without this treatment she would be limping, getting worsening pain and be limited in all these activities that she now excels at."