When it comes to doing the surgery, do what you feel is right.  There is no
time to second guess yourself.
As far as the walking thing goes, as a therapist I see this a lot.  Parents
are very concerned with walking, looking normal, sitting, etc.  Yes, it is
important to get your child safely up and weight bearing as much as
possible.  Look into programs such as MOVE and FOCUS that deal with real
curriculum based standing, sitting, etc. with functional goals at the end
(such as sitting independentantly (sp?) on the toilet, something you won't
truly appreciate until you have a rather large preteen trying to keep their
balance, and dignity).
We OTs (occupational therapists) have to deal all the time with the issue of
mobility and PT goals.  As some folks have pointed out, what good is it to
walk to bathroom if you can't clean yourself?  What good is walking to the
local eatery if your too tired to talk to  your friends?
It isn't an easy decision, much needs to be taken into account.  Orthopedics
usually need to be followed by intensive PT but, also remember that new
theories out there that take into account a working visual system (not just
accuity),vestibular system and cognitive status.  People never realize all
the hard work it takes until something doesn't go right.

To do surgery or not to do surgery is up to each individual.

Best of Luck and let us know how things work out.

Elizabeth Hill Thiers, OTR/L
email address: [log in to unmask]
homepage: www.bv.net/~john/bethsot1.html