Tygerberg Hospital has achieved a national milestone by performing South Africa’s first fully internal bone transport and limb-lengthening reconstruction.
The patient, a 64-year-old former police officer, had
suffered, since 2018, of a gunshot wound, including chronic pain, an unhealed
fracture, and a substantial difference in leg length that affected his quality
of life. Surgeons successfully reconstructed a 50mm bone defect and corrected a
30mm limb-length discrepancy using a fully internal device allows comfort,
reducing complication risks, and shortening recovery.
SUPPLIED- Theatre pic: from left to right: Dr Edward Fuzy, Dr Jayesh
Haribhai (at the back), and on the right, Dr Tino-Vito OrlandiProfessor Nando Ferreira reflected on the significance of the achievement.
‘’This operation demonstrates how far we have come in
building world-class limb reconstruction capacity within the South African
public sector. For patients who have lived for years with chronic pain and
disability, advanced internal bone transport offers a genuine second chance at
normal function.’’
“Our unit was
selected as one of only a few centres worldwide to use this procedure during
its limited market release. This level of innovation reflects the strength of
our surgical team, our academic partnership, and our commitment to delivering
patient-centred care at an international standard,” he continued.
Tygerberg Hospital CEO, Dr Matodzi Mukosi, welcomed the
milestone as evidence of the institution’s excellence:
“This breakthrough highlights the incredible talent and
innovation within our hospital. It shows what is possible when clinical
excellence and strong partnerships work together for our patients.”
SUPPLIED: Intraoperative fluoroscopy image showing the definitive
nail being inserted and bridging the bone defectThe Western Cape Health & Wellness Department said advanced
trauma and limb reconstruction services play a vital role in helping residents
live well by restoring mobility, dignity, and independence.
‘’The skills developed through this procedure could
strengthen orthopaedic care for children who start life with congenital limb
differences or experience early trauma, helping them start well. Older adults,
who are increasingly vulnerable to injury and complex fractures, could benefit
from safer surgical innovation that helps them age well with greater confidence
and mobility. Achievements like this are only possible because the provincial
health system continues to run well through strong governance, academic
partnerships, and the commitment of clinicians who serve the 85 percent of
residents who rely on public healthcare,’’ it said.
The newly
regenerated bone is expected to form over roughly 100 days, followed by several
months of consolidation. The case has already drawn international attention,
underscoring the province’s growing leadership in surgical innovation and
patient-centred care.
Done By: Mitchum George
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