RETURNED HOME TO HEAL AFTER A KNEE FRACTURE ACCIDENT ABROAD

While exhausted and navigating her cancer treatment at a hospital in Singapore, Mrs. N. (59 years old) had no idea she would soon face another traumatic ordeal. She accidentally slipped and fell hard on her right knee while walking in the hospital, resulting in a serious injury.

Returned Home To Heal After A Knee Fracture Accident Abroad

Mrs. N. was quickly given first aid and temporarily immobilized with a plaster splint. However, she became emotionally distraught — her only wish had been to complete her kidney cancer treatment and return to Vietnam as soon as possible.

“Because of my illness, I had to seek treatment overseas. After each infusion, even though I was exhausted and struggled to walk, I still made the effort to fly back to Vietnam and rest at home with my family. Now with a broken leg, I’m stuck in a hospital abroad — it’s heartbreaking”, she shared.

Mrs. N. and her family decided to contact the Orthopedics & Traumatology Department at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital in hopes of continuing treatment back in Vietnam.

After reviewing diagnostic images sent from Singapore, Dr. Huynh Dang Thanh Son, Specialist Level II, Deputy Head of the Orthopedics & Traumatology Department, confirmed a complex knee injury:

• Comminuted patellar fracture (shattered kneecap with multiple fragments)
• Partial ACL tear
• Medial meniscus tear
• Joint effusion (fluid accumulation in the knee joint)

“Without early surgical fixation and joint stabilization, the patient risked joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, and even permanent loss of mobility”, Dr. Son explained.

He advised that the family transfer Mrs. N. back to Vietnam immediately for surgery. Given her age (59) and weakened immune system due to ongoing kidney cancer treatment, any delay would significantly increase her risk of infection and long-term complications. Timely intervention could also help prevent complications such as lower limb weakness and prolonged knee edema. The hospital committed to receiving her as soon as she arrived and performing surgery promptly to ensure the best possible outcome.

The day after her fall, Mrs. N. was met at the airport in Vietnam by Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital’s medical team and admitted as an emergency case. The following day, she underwent surgery.

Using a surgical procedure to reconstruct and stabilize the patella, Dr. Son and his surgical team carefully realigned and fixed the fractured kneecap and stabilized the knee joint. Just two days post-op, Mrs. N. was well enough to be discharged — no complications occurred during or after the procedure, and she happily returned home to recover with her family.

One month later, during her follow-up visit, X-rays confirmed the patella had healed well, and her right knee regained near-normal mobility.

“I can now bend and extend my knee more comfortably. I’m continuing physical therapy as advised and hope to fully recover soon so I can resume my kidney cancer treatment”, she said.

Dr. Huynh Dang Thanh Son, Specialist Level II added that the recovery period for patellar fractures typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on fracture severity, treatment approach, and the patient’s overall health.

“Patients need to remain committed to physical rehabilitation to restore full mobility after such injuries”, he emphasized.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.