Iliyasu S., 10

Iliyasu is a 10-year-old boy and a bright student in a government school, known by his parents to be intelligent and hardworking. He lives with his family in modest conditions, where his father runs a small business and his mother is a housewife. Due to financial challenges, the family struggles to meet basic needs, and their home lacks electricity. Three years ago, he sustained an injury to his left thigh while playing, which was managed at home. The wound later became infected, producing pus and eventually leading to ulceration. Although the wound healed, it resulted in severe stiffness of the knee, leaving his leg fixed and preventing him from walking. As a result, he has been unable to attend school. On examination, he was stable but had a severe contracture of the left knee with muscle wasting and scarring behind the knee. He was diagnosed with severe post-infective left knee contracture and requires surgical release of the contracture and rehabilitation. Due to financial constraints, his family has sought assistance to enable his care.

Iliyasu had injury to his left thigh while playing 3 years earlier and the site got infected, attempt was made to treat it by traditional healers but the infection only got worst spreading to the leg and knee. When it eventually healed, he was left with his leg completely plastered to the back of his thigh. This rendered him unable to walk with the affected limb. Due to financial constraints he has lived with it like that hampering his daily activities. Several appeals have been made to well meaning persons around but has not been lucky to get his surgery done. He was sponsored by Helpster and had his surgery done after investigations to ensure the knee is still able to function. He eventually had contracture release done. He was able to start walking while on admission and currently walk without walking stick. Iliyasu loves football and wishes to see himself back in the pitch with his two legs. He is currently doing well with his follow up and physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles, bones and joints.

The patient has a severe knee contracture affecting mobility and daily function, for which surgical correction and rehabilitation have been advised. He is currently stable and a good candidate for definitive intervention. With appropriate surgery and physiotherapy, significant improvement in movement and ability to walk is expected. The overall prognosis is favorable.