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Success! Sophy from Cambodia raised $304 to fund hardware removal surgery.

Sophy
100%
  • $304 raised, $0 to go
$304
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Sophy's treatment was fully funded on February 28, 2023.

Photo of Sophy post-operation

March 20, 2023

Sophy underwent hardware removal surgery so he can live pain free.

Sophy successfully had surgery to remove the hardware from his right tibia. Although his bone was completely healed, he continued to have lingering pain and was happy to finally have it removed. He will rest for several days, and begin physiotherapy exercises when his incision is healed. After that, he will be able to return to his job in construction to support the food, education, and healthcare needs of his family.

Sophy said: “I am relieved I feel better. My leg is healing, and I’m so glad they were able to take out the metal. I want to work hard to get strong again to help my family. Thank you to the CSC staff and all the donors who helped me to have this surgery.”

Sophy successfully had surgery to remove the hardware from his right tibia. Although his bone was completely healed, he continued to have li...

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October 12, 2022

Sophy is a 38-year-old construction worker who lives with his wife and two children. His wife is a farmer, growing rice and vegetables which feed the family, and which she also sells at the local market. When Sophy isn’t working, he enjoys playing football, catching up on current events, and taking his children to the local market.

In November 2021, Sophy fractured his right tibia in a motor vehicle collision when he was on his way home from work. He went to a local clinic, where doctors placed hardware in his leg to stabilize the bone and to heal the fracture.

While he has good function of his leg and has been able to return to work, Sophy has a nagging ache where the hardware remains, and doctors have told him that he needs to have the fracture hardware removed.

Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, can help. On October 12th, Sophy will undergo a hardware removal procedure at Kien Khleang Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $304. This procedure will remove the old hardware, enabling Sophy to continue his rehabilitation while he works full time. Sophy and his family need your support to cover the cost of the surgery.

Sophy said: “After surgery, I hope my right leg will be healed completely with no hardware, and I will no longer worry about it.”

Sophy is a 38-year-old construction worker who lives with his wife and two children. His wife is a farmer, growing rice and vegetables whic...

Read more

Sophy's Timeline

  • October 12, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Sophy was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • October 12, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Sophy received treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre in Cambodia. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • October 16, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Sophy's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 28, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Sophy's treatment was fully funded.

  • March 20, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Sophy's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 4 donors

Funded by 4 donors

Treatment
ORIF / Fracture
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $304 for Sophy's treatment
Hospital Fees
$36
Medical Staff
$217
Medication
$0
Supplies
$43
Labs
$3
Radiology
$5
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients who experience painful fractures or recurrent dislocations need ORIF (open reduction internal fixation) surgeries to heal the injuries. Most often, these fractures and dislocations result from traffic accidents. ORIF procedures require the insertion of metal plates, screws, or rods to stabilize the bones while they heal. Bowleg procedures also require the insertion of hardware, such as staples, in order to realign the legs. Bowleg can be caused both by genetics and by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. However, surgeons may decide to remove the hardware. The most common reason for hardware removal is pain or loss of mobility and range of motion around the ORIF site. Other reasons include infection, nerve damage, incomplete healing of the bone, or an allergy to the implant.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Living with hardware fixation causes pain, limits function, and can interfere with daily activities.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

There is a high rate of traffic accidents in Cambodia because of a lack of helmet usage and weak enforcement of traffic laws. These accidents cause many of the fractures and bone dislocations that our medical partner sees.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

During an ORIF procedure, the deformed or broken bone is correctly aligned into its normal position. Steel rods, screws, or plates are used to keep the bone fracture stable and allow it to heal. Sometimes, bone grafting is needed to promote healing. During hardware removal, surgeons use the previous incisions to find and remove the hardware. In some cases, additional incisions are made to safely perform the operation.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

Patients will experience restored function and mobility. They will also have reduced pain. Patients can be independent again and return to work, school, and family life.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This surgery is low-risk and extremely effective.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Rural Cambodians often self-medicate or seek treatment from traditional healers because they cannot afford treatment at local clinics or hospitals. Many patients are referred to CSC by word of mouth.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There is no alternative to this treatment.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.