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Urgent
AFTER YEARS OF UNSUCCESSFUL TREATMENT, PATIENT SUCCESSFULLY UNDERGOES BONE REALIGNMENT AND LIMB LENGTHENING SURGERY OF 12 CM AT AIH
A tragedy from a seemingly simple injury
In 2018, at just 11 years old, Diệu Linh (from Hue City) unfortunately fell during daily activities and fractured her right tibia. This type of orthopedic injury is quite common and can be completely recovered if properly managed from the start. However, since she was only treated with casting and did not undergo periodic X-ray examinations, the bone displacement went unnoticed, resulting in nonunion and necessitating multiple surgeries.
Over the next five years, Linh underwent eight operations at various hospitals, with one episode complicated by infection and prolonged fever. Consequently, a pseudoarthrosis (false joint) developed; her right leg became 90-degree deformed, lost its weight-bearing function, and became 12 cm shorter than the other leg, forcing her to wear a special shoe to walk. The long treatment process drained the family, and Linh had to put her schooling on hold.
A special consultation opened the door to a “rebirth”
When visiting the Orthopedic Trauma Department at the American International Hospital (AIH), Diệu Linh was directly examined by Prof. Dr. René D. Esser, an international orthopedic expert with over 40 years of experience in trauma and reconstructive orthopedic surgery, particularly in complex and challenging cases.
Clinical examination combined with imaging diagnosis revealed that Diệu Linh’s condition was quite severe:
The right tibia had failed to unite, forming a pseudoarthrosis that caused deformity, prolonged pain, and loss of normal weight-bearing function.
The right lower limb was 12 cm shorter than the left, resulting in an unbalanced gait, difficulty in movement, and long-term risks of spinal, hip, and knee deformities.
The ankle joint had almost completely lost its physiological function, while chronic pain made walking an ongoing burden.
This was a typical post-traumatic complication, but unfortunately, it had been improperly managed from the beginning, leading to a prolonged treatment journey with multiple surgeries.
The special consultation at AIH not only provided a clear assessment of the extent of the damage but also opened a chance for Diệu Linh’s legs and her future to be “reborn.” By a fortunate turn of fate, upon learning about her difficult circumstances and long struggle, Prof. Dr. René D. Esser and the American International Hospital (AIH) decided to accompany and support her by covering part of the treatment costs, making it possible for this crucial surgery to be performed in the best possible conditions.
Stage-by-Stage Treatment Strategy
Given the complexity of Diệu Linh’s condition, Prof. Dr. René D. Esser developed a comprehensive treatment plan. First, the team performed a bone realignment procedure to bring the tibia back to its correct anatomical axis, creating a foundation for the next interventions.
The bone was then stabilized externally using a specialized fixation frame – not only to maintain fracture stability but also to enable limb lengthening technique based on a biological principle. This technique is currently considered the “gold standard” for treating pseudoarthrosis and complex limb-length discrepancies, offering an effective correction of deformities while restoring bilateral balance.
Seven days after surgery, the limb lengthening process began at a rate of 1 mm per day, divided into four turns of the fixator. This is the optimal rate, allowing the body to gradually adapt and form strong new bone tissue (callus). On average, the lower limb lengthens by about 3 cm per month. Aiming to restore the full 12 cm discrepancy, Linh would need approximately four months of lengthening, followed by several additional months of consolidation for the new bone to stabilize. The entire recovery journey is expected to take nearly one year.
In parallel with the surgical intervention, the patient began early physical therapy to maintain muscle mass, prevent joint stiffness, and support the recovery of mobility functions. Throughout the treatment, the medical team closely monitors her progress to control infection risks while evaluating bone formation and growth through periodic X-ray imaging.
Initial Results and Treatment Outlook
Just three days after surgery, Diệu Linh experienced a remarkable reduction in pain, was able to move gently, and began physical therapy – something she had never achieved in her previous surgeries, which often left her in severe pain and prolonged exhaustion. Her family shared that this was the first time in years they truly felt a ray of hope.
“If her progress continues smoothly, after about one year, Linh’s right leg will regain balance, her gait will be significantly improved, and her mobility functions will be restored,” said Prof. Dr. René D. Esser.
Restoring hope for complex orthopedic trauma cases
Diệu Linh’s recovery journey is a powerful reminder that even a seemingly simple injury, if not properly managed from the beginning, can lead to severe complications and long-term consequences. At the same time, her story also affirms that with strong medical expertise, modern technology, and a well-structured treatment plan, patients can fully recover and rewrite their own future.
With emotion, Diệu Linh shared: “After eight unsuccessful surgeries, I thought I would have to live my whole life wearing shoes of different heights. But thanks to Prof. Dr. René D. Esser and the doctors at AIH, I now have hope of walking normally again. I’m truly, deeply grateful.”
Her sister added emotionally: “The miracle is that right after the surgery, we saw her leg straight again – a very positive sign for the recovery ahead. Linh no longer suffers the intense pain she had after previous operations and has already started physical therapy. In the past, every surgery left our family exhausted both physically and mentally. At AIH, we truly felt the difference: the operation was gentler, the postoperative pain was much less, and above all, we received such devoted care from the entire medical team.”
At AIH, patients not only have access to advanced surgical techniques but also receive comprehensive care, from surgical treatment, complication management, to physical rehabilitation and psychological support. This all-encompassing approach has made AIH a trusted destination for many complex orthopedic trauma cases, bringing hope and recovery opportunities to patients.
Prof. Dr. René D. Esser shared: “In orthopedic trauma, especially in children and adolescents, nothing is more important than accurate diagnosis and proper treatment from the very beginning. A correct early decision can lead to a complete recovery. Conversely, even a small mistake in the initial management can result in severe complications, making future surgeries much more challenging. This is something patients and families must pay special attention to. Therefore, when an injury occurs, it is crucial to visit a specialized medical facility for proper examination and timely treatment to maximize recovery and prevent unfortunate consequences.”
To register for consultation and treatment with Prof. Dr. René D. Esser, please contact the AIH hotline (028) 3910 9999 or send a message via the AIH Fanpage: https://m.me/aih.com.vn.
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