Case Studies

This section contains graphic images that could upset some individuals and are not generally suitable for children. Please leave this section if you are a minor or are sensitive to such images.

Birth Chest Anomaly

after correction by muscle transfer

poland syndrome with left chest underdevelopment

Video demonstration

Birth Hand Anomaly

child born with no gap between thumb and index finger and no muscle muscle to allow thumb to oppose fingers, preventing use of thumb

surgery to create gap using a local skin flap

muscle transfer procedure to power thumb opposition

immediate post-operative result prior to application of dressings

Reconstruction of Large Defects

late result showing fully healed tissues – a second stage can now be planned for restoration of hair-bearing skin

large infected cavity following spinal surgery

skin-muscle flap harvested from local healthy tissues and transferred into the defect

Skin Cancer

late result

surgical plan for removal and reconstruction with a local skin flap

large upper lip skin cancer of a type that can be cured by complete removal

immediate post-operative result

Skin Masses

Nerve Microsurgery

skin mass before removal

after removal

large tumours growing in an important nerve of the arm

close-up prior to complete removal by microsurgical separation from the nerve

Tissue Expansion

late result showing fully healed tissues – a second stage can now be planned for restoration of hair-bearing skin

tissue expansion is achieved by inserting a balloon under the skin which is gradually inflated over several weeks in clinic as in the case of this child with a large and potentially dangerous mole covering a large part of the abdomen. expander in place showing amount of expanded skin available.

at operation the large mole is almost completely removed, the expander removed and the extra skin used to close the defect

Trauma Limb Amputation

several months later demonstrating function

restoration of circulation with microsurgery

immediately post-operatively

farming injury with complete amputation of hand

electrical stimulation of nerve to elbow showing bending when stimulated beyond injury level

Brachial Plexus Injury

2 years post-repair showing good elbow function but note persisting shoulder restriction

birth injury with partial paralysis of left arm

damaged nerves explored in the neck

electrical stimulation of nerve to elbow showing bending when stimulated beyond injury level