Sydney, Australia-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Boyle performed a pioneer joint replacement surgery on a young osteosarcoma patient, according to 9News.com.au.
Here are five insights:
1. Dr. Boyle performs joint replacement surgeries for osteosarcoma patients who face potential limb amputation due to cancer.
2. Mitch Williams, a 14-year-old patient of Dr. Boyle, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left leg.
3. Instead of amputation, Dr. Boyle used a titanium prosthetic to replace Mr. Williams's tumor-affected bones, which included his knee and parts of his femur and tibia.
4. Until Mr. Williams finishes growing, Dr. Boyle will use magnets to lengthen his leg every few months, which will allow the limb to grow and match the length of Mr. William's unaffected leg.
5. Dr. Boyle is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Australian Orthopaedic Association. He is also a member of the Australian Sarcoma Group and International Society of Limb Savage.