God'swill J., 14

Godswill is a 14 years old boy living with his parents. Apparently, he is the 5th among 7 children. Father is a farmer and the mother is a house wife. With the little they managed to have, they sent their children to a government school but most of the children couldn't further their academics to the college. Godswill is a 14year old boy who presented with pain in the right leg and a 6cm shortening of the leg. He sustained an injury at 2 years of age which was poorly managed by local bone setters. Upon presentation at our hospital, he was examined and a diagnosis of pseudoarthrosis of the right tibia with limb length discrepancy (6cm shortening) was made supported with X-ray images. The impact of this problem to Godswill includes pain, deformity, instability, and functional impairment due to shortening and he was suffering for several years because the family is poor. He will require a 2 stage procedure for correction which will include; Stage 1 of the surgery: a. Excision of the hematomata's tissue and stabilization with external fixator (LRS) b. Limb lengthening process. Stage2 In 2 years time, (At skeletal maturity) he will need the second stage (before age 17 years) which will be fixing of an intramedullary nail. The approximate cost for the surgery, hospitalization and implants is over 3 million naira which the family cannot afford, they come seeking for help from Helpster Charity.

God'swill is a 14year old boy who presented with pain in the right leg and a 6cm shortening of the leg. He sustained an injury at 2 years of age which was poorly managed by local bone setters. Upon presentation at our hospital, he was examined and a diagnosis of pseudoarthrosis of the right tibia with limb length discrepancy (6cm shortening) was made. He was admitted and had the first stage procedure for correction which included Excision of the harmatomatous tissue and stabilization with external fixator (LRS)Limb lengthening process. He showed good improvement after surgery and was discharged from the hospital on the 14th day after surgery. He will be monitored every 2 weeks and prepared for the second stabilization surgery in 2 years.

Godswill fracture that resulted in pseudoarthrosis and limb shortening has caused him much pain, discomfort, functional disability, amongst other. The prognosis of pseudoarthrosis of the right tibia with a 6 cm limb length discrepancy depends on the underlying cause, patient age, vascularity, infection status, and surgical technique. With modern reconstructive methods—such as Ilizarov bone transport, vascularized fibular grafts, and biologic enhancement—union rates have improved significantly. However, outcomes can be unpredictable, with risks of persistent nonunion, recurrent fracture, or residual deformity. Limb length and alignment can usually be restored, though multiple procedures and prolonged rehabilitation may be required. Early diagnosis, meticulous surgical technique, and consistent follow-up are crucial for achieving a stable, functional limb and good long-term prognosis.