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LEG WITH 90° ANGULAR DEFORMITY “REBORN” THANKS TO CORRECTIVE OSTEOTOMY
Once only able to shuffle along due to a leg deformed at an angle of nearly 90°, a 6-year-old boy named Ho Thanh Nha (of the Xo Dang ethnic group) has now had his leg restored to a near-normal shape and can stand firmly following a complex orthopedic surgery at the American International Hospital (AIH).

Severe Deformity in Pediatric Orthopedics
Ho Thanh Nha (6 years old, Xo Dang ethnic group, Tra Tap Commune, Da Nang City) grew up with a leg deformity that made him feel different from his peers.
Following a fall at the age of one, a fracture of the left tibia went undetected and untreated timely, failing to heal naturally. Over time, this resulted in the formation of a pseudarthrosis, leading to severe angular deformity and limb shortening. As time passed, his left leg became noticeably curved, with the limb axis completely misaligned, making walking extremely difficult for him.
Upon examination at the Department of Orthopedics at the American International Hospital (AIH), Professor René D. Esser, MD, PhD, assessed the patient Nhã’s condition as a prolonged non-union tibial fracture with an angular misalignment of approximately 90° - a severe degree of deformity in pediatric orthopedics. Furthermore, the patient presented with severe malnutrition, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies, necessitating a meticulous evaluation of all surgical interventions prior to proceeding with the operation.
Immediately thereafter, Prof. Dr. René D. Esser performed a corrective osteotomy on the left lower leg with the goal of not only correcting the bone's shape but also regenerating the biological conditions necessary for the bone to heal.
During the surgery, the doctor removed the old K-wire, debrided all fibrous and scar tissue at the pseudoarthrosis site - factors that impede the bone healing process - and then realigned the tibial axis under C-arm to restore the mechanical axis of the limb.
The bone was fixed with an intramedullary K-wire to maintain stability, creating a foundation for the bone healing process in the subsequent phase.

Reviving hope after surgery
Following the surgery, Nhã’s condition showed positive signs of recovery. The limb alignment has been significantly improved, with the left leg gradually returning to a shape close to normal anatomy, creating a foundation for bone healing and the restoration of motor function.
Thanks to close monitoring and comprehensive care at AIH, the patient's physical condition has also improved step-by-step, from nutrition to overall health.

Prof. René D. Esser further shared: “The journey ahead still requires more time and several stages of treatment. After the bone axis has been re-established and stabilized, the next goal is to ensure that the bone healing process proceeds favorably in terms of both mechanics and biology.
And once the bone site achieves the necessary stability, limb lengthening intervention will be considered to improve the length discrepancy and optimize long-term motor function.”

Seeing the child's radiant smile and the relieved eyes of the family after days of anxiety, the medical team at AIH understands that every successful treatment is not just a professional achievement, but also a rebirth of hope, where a new future begins with the very first steps.
Above all, the entire cost of Nhã's treatment was sponsored by Prof. René D. Esser and the American International Hospital (AIH). This is a part of a free surgery program for disadvantaged children with complex musculoskeletal conditions, which has been implemented by AIH in collaboration with Prof. René D. Esser since 2024.
Through this program, many pediatric patients suffering from congenital clubfoot, ankle joint stiffness, quadriplegia, or contractures of the wrist and hand flexor tendons have had the opportunity to access specialized and modern treatment methods. Not only does it help improve mobility, but the program also opens up hope for a more confident life and a brighter future for many children, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

With over 43 years of experience in the field of Orthopedic Surgery, Prof. René D. Esser is regarded by professionals as having “golden hands,” helping to “regenerate” the lives of thousands of patients, ranging from young children with congenital deformities to adults suffering from severe injuries.
With an international career, Prof. René D. Esser has held several important positions, such as former Head of the Department of Orthopedics at Stanford University (USA), Markgroeningen Hospital (Germany), and Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (Samoa), while also serving as a specialist consultant at leading hospitals in France, such as Polyclinique du Ternois and the Clarence General Hospital.
Beyond his extensive experience, Prof. René D. Esser is one of the few physicians in Vietnam capable of directly treating rare and complex cases, such as pediatric orthopedic surgery for congenital deformities, joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist), limb lengthening and bone reconstruction, sports medicine, and general orthopedics…
Leveraging the strengths of an internationally experienced team of experts, the Department of Orthopedics at AIH has made synchronous investments in modern technology and equipment, providing comprehensive treatment solutions for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from basic to advanced.
Patients have access to advanced treatment techniques that meet international standards, combined with personalized care processes to optimize recovery efficiency, shorten treatment time, and improve quality of life.
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