HAVING FOUND THE DOCTOR 30 YEARS LATER, THE PATIENT FLEW BACK TO VIETNAM FROM THE U.S. TO UNDERGO A TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT AT AIH

In life, there are encounters that can change our lives forever. This especially rings true to the situation of Mr. S.N.H (62 years old), a Vietnamese American. Over 30 years ago, Prof. Dr. Esser Rene Daniel was the doctor who performed autologous bone grafting for Mr. S.N.H at Standford Hospital (United States), saving his leg from amputation shortly after he arrived in the United States.

Recently, Mr. S.N.H reunited with his savior to undergo total knee replacement at American International Hospital (AIH).
 
On the brink of having... a leg amputation in the United States

More than 30 years ago, Mr. S.N.H was in a serious traffic accident resulting in a broken left femur and femoral bone loss. He underwent surgeries and a yearlong of treatments but the infection in his knee joint became increasingly worse, putting him at risk of leg amputation.

At this point, Mr. S.N.H received the opportunity to immigrate to the U.S. with his family. Torn between worry and joy, Mr. S.N.H hoped to find a better treatment in the U.S. However, after consulting in the major hospitals in the U.S., doctors refused to treat him and stated that he had to undergo leg amputation as there was no possibility of preserving the limb. Mr. S.N.H came to terms with his fate that he would live with one leg for the rest of his life...

Just 8 days before his leg amputation surgery, his family tirelessly searched for alternative options. Luckily, Mr. S.N.H was introduced by an acquaintance to Stanford hospital. At the time, Prof. Dr. Esser Rene Daniel, Head of the Orthopedics & Traumatology Department in Standford hospital, agreed to perform autologous bone grafting for him. Upon recognizing that they both shared Vietnamese heritage, Mr. S.N.H and his family were overwhelmed with pride and gratitude towards Dr. Rene. The doctor also shared that he understood the circumstances of a young Vietnamese man, who had recently arrived in the U.S. and was facing the risk of leg amputation, so he deeply sympathized and dedicated full attention to that surgery.
 
The search for the savior from 30 years ago for the second surgery

Mr. S.N.H shared that: “Due to the severity of the injury, even though the surgery was successful like a miracle, which helped me start the new life in the U.S., my knee remained stiff and could not do a full flexion. I accepted it and considered it as a post-injury sequela. Until recently, long drives had started causing pain, so I wanted to fully resolve this issue. My daughter and I searched the internet for information about Dr. Rene; fortunately, we found him again. We had agreed that if we could not find him, I would not go through with the surgery.”
 
At the end of 2023, Mr. S.N.H met with Dr. Rene in the U.S. and decided to return to Vietnam for the surgery at American International Hospital (AIH). In 04/2024, after examinations, the X-Ray result revealed almost complete degeneration in the patient's left knee joint, with a flexion angle of less than 25 degrees. He was diagnosed with advanced osteoarthritis in the left knee. Dr. Rene later on performed the left total knee replacement on him.

This is the surgical method indicated by specialists when the other medical and surgical treatments are ineffective and full joint functions cannot be restored. Doctors will remove the deteriorated and damaged cartilage layer, then replace it with a metal joint that covers the bone ends. This prevents the bones from rubbing directly against each other during movement, minimizing pain for the patient while also correcting any joint deformities and limb alignment.

After the surgery, Mr. S.N.H began gentle movements and engaged in physical therapy exercises. The follow-up examination three weeks later showed the flexion range at 80 degrees. The recovery was truly favorable.



Mr. S.N.H.’s sharing during his stay in the hospital: “My family and I feel so fortunate and grateful to Dr. Rene, who performed surgery for me twice at critical moments in my life. This means a great deal to our family, and we will never forget his efforts dedicated to us, both now and 30 years ago.”

Mr. S.N.H and his family have now returned to the U.S. greatly satisfied with the treatment at American International Hospital (AIH).



Bring “a new life” to many people through golden hands

Prof. Dr. René D. Esser has performed orthopedic surgeries for numerous cases with congenital deformities or acquired articular diseases and helped bring “a new life” to many people after surgeries. Dr. René also teaches and guides surgeons to stay updated on the world's advancements in orthopedic trauma surgery.

Prof. Dr. René D. Esser was a former Head of Orthopedic Trauma Department in Stanford University (U.S.), Markgroeningen hospital (Germany) and Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (Samoa). In Vietnam, Prof. Dr. René D. Esser is one of the few surgeons – orthopedist capable of treating cases with congenital deformities and serious traumatic conditions, specializing in:
 

To book an appointment with Prof. René D. Esser, please register online at https://www.aih.com.vn/bac-sy/esser-rene-daniel-dr or contact our hotline at (028) 3910 9999.