LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Lainey Wagner walks the halls of Liberty High School with her classmates, but her path to get there included five surgeries and years of pain. Now the teenager has written a book to help others facing the same diagnosis.
Wagner wrote “Hip Hip Hooray” to explain hip dysplasia, a condition where the bones in the hip joint don’t fit together properly. She was diagnosed in sixth grade.
Lainey Wagner wrote “Hip Hip Hooray” to explain hip dysplasia, a condition where the bones in the hip joint don’t fit together properly. She was diagnosed in sixth grade.(KCBD Video)
“We think I’ve had it since I was born but we didn’t catch it until I was in the sixth grade,” Wagner said. “My hip was basically dislocated. And very painful.”
Understanding the condition
The book explains how to prepare mentally for surgery and what happens on the day of the procedure. Wagner describes the surgical process in detail.
“Basically they broke my femur and my pelvis, rotated them and then put screw and pins and plates and all the things in there to keep it back in place to where it’s supposed to be,” she said.
The book includes pictures and emojis to help readers understand the level of pain patients experience after surgery.
Lainey’s mother, Emily Wagner, said learning about the diagnosis was difficult.
“It was heartbreaking to see…when we found out she had hip dysplasia and was going to have to have these surgeries,” Emily Wagner said.
Teacher connection
Two teachers at Liberty High School inspired Wagner to write the book: Kathy Eubanks, who teaches anatomy and physiology, and Bobbe Kite, who teaches health sciences.
Kite has a personal connection to the condition.
“My first daughter was born with congenital hip dysplasia as well,” Kite said. “So that just made me want to buy the book and keep the book and support Lainey anyway I can.”
Dr. Michael Diab, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, performed Wagner’s surgeries. His picture appears in the book, and he said the information could help other young patients.
“That’s always very helpful for other patients to get an idea about the surgery and what to expect,” Diab said.
Wagner said the experience shaped her career plans.
“Now I’m in such a great place in my life and I know what I want to do for my future,” she said. “Physical therapy.”
Eubanks said Wagner’s journey motivated her future goals.
“It was a hard road for her but it’s motivated her to continue on to physical therapy and help others,” Eubanks said.
The book is available on Amazon. Wagner will also have copies at a hip dysplasia awareness walk Saturday, June 6, at Liberty High School from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event is free with no registration required. Donations will support pediatric care for children with hip dysplasia.
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