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Paul's Scoliosis was classified severe and debilitating. We met
Paul through his English language tutor. The family, pictured below, had
found medical help for him at The Central Children's Hospital in Bucharest.
But they lacked the possibility to ever acquire enough money to pay for
his surgery. Heart for Romania assisted by donating the majority of the
funds to purchase titanium and stainless steel rods and screws which were
implanted in Paul's spine (see photos, right.) The implements were purchased
through Dr. Jianu in Bucharest for approximately $2400. Paul's surgery was
done at Bucharest's Grigore Alexandrescu Hospital in 1999.
But a recent visit with Paul's parents revealed that one of the metal
rods has broken and another rod has separated from its holder. We do not
know at this time whether the materials have failed, whether the materials
were installed improperly, or whether a material substitution was made.
(see photo, bottom right.) We wait to learn what Paul's options are now,
because the Bucharest surgeon has refused to assist Paul with any further
restoration, essentially washing his hands of any responsibility.
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Paul's spine curvature was 90% prior to a surgical implant.
Two titanium rods were attached to his spine with special stainless screws,
similar to first two photos shown below. The French firm, Eurosurgical,
its German subsidiary SpineNet GmbH, and, their US partner OrthoTec, developed
the innovative SCS Spinal System and the "in-situ contouring technique"
(SCS) that was used in Paul's surgery. Following the implant, Paul's curvature
was reduced to 40%. The rods should provide strength and support, rescuing
the boy from permanent disability. Thanks to the assistance of Heart
for Romania, Paul has enjoyed pain-free participation in active physical
sports, and he should face a healthy future. But because of the failure
of one rod (please see photo at bottom of page), Paul's Scoliosis has increased
to 52%. We are now in the process of contacting the manufacturer, and we
are waiting to learn what Paul's options will be.
 
The photo (above, right) shows Paul's spine now, with the
two rods in place. It also reveals the broken rod, and also a connector
rod which has come loose. We are certain that there will be some investigations
into this problem, because the companies seem to be credible, the technology
was presented to us as being well tested and the materials were supposed
to be state-of-the-art. |
Heart for Romania