Restoring function in a paralysed hand - A functional triumph

A teenager is looking forward to returning to student life after successful surgery now enables him to grasp objects.

Eighteen-year-old Khaled Al Saeedi, from Kuwait, was treated at the Royal Free Hospital’s private patient unit.

Khaled suffered flaccid paralysis as a child, a neurological condition which results in weakness or paralysis and reduced muscle tone. Khaled had previously undergone unsuccessful surgeries on his right hand and was unable to move his index finger or position his thumb to form opposition and grasp objects, making life incredibly difficult.

Under the expert care of Mr Dariush Nikkhah, a consultant plastic surgeon and Mr Onur Berber, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Khalid underwent a tendon transfer to reconstruct his thumb and also restore movement to his index finger. A muscle was moved in the same hand in a rare procedure called a 'Huber opponensplasty ' and his thumb was fused into a better position.

After his operation, Khaled went on to have intensive hand therapy with senior therapist Meera Anadkat.

He had 13 sessions in total, enabling him to regain function of his hand. He also had scar therapy to help improve the appearance, texture and function of his scars and additional therapy to help protect the tendon repairs.

Khaled, who has five siblings, is now returning home where he will continue with his physiotherapy and resume his studies.

He said: “I was a little bit scared before the surgery. But it was one of the best surgeries I have had. I am grateful to the team, especially Mr Nikkhah, and my therapist, Meera. I can see the positive outcome and improvement in things I can do with my hand such as carrying stuff, closing my fist, eating, and brushing my teeth.”

 

Pictured:

Top-Bottom: Fayez Al Saeedi (patient's father), Meera Anadkat, therapist, Khaled Al Saeedi (patient) and Claire Ellen, therapist

Khaled with his surgeon, Mr Dariush Nikkhah