Andres, REPIPHYSIS® Expandable Technology Implant
On October 18, 2006, Tammy’s life turned upside down when she learned that her son, Andres, had a cancerous tumor in his right femur. Andres, who recently turned nine, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma—the most common form of bone cancer found in children and adolescents. Wanting only the best for Andres, Tammy relentlessly sought out the most qualified doctors to care for her son. She traveled to a hospital in Omaha where a physician strongly suggested rotationplasty to remove the tumor and as an alternative to amputation. Tammy was horrified by the procedure, which involves partial amputation and the use of the ankle as a knee joint for a prosthetic. She refused to accept the doctor’s solution and decided to seek other alternatives.

A biochemist by profession, Tammy began researching other options by looking through peer-reviewed journals and other medical publications; however she found them too dense and cold. Her search online led her to Wright’s REPIPHYSIS® Expandable Technology, an expandable endoprosthetic implant which replaces a child’s femur and grows alongside the healthy limb. This eliminates limb length discrepancy that often occurs with conventional prostheses. Instead of undergoing repeated surgeries to extend the implant, as is the case with non-expandable implants, the REPIPHYSIS® Technology uses an electromagnetic field to slowly lengthen the implant internally. The lengthening process is a noninvasive procedure that can be completed in about 20 minutes, without surgery. Tammy remembers: “As I learned more, I thought the REPIPHYSIS® Technology was sheer genius. And I work in a cutting-edge lab!”

After consultation with numerous doctors, Tammy contacted Dr. Michael Neel at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, who convinced her to consider the implant for her son. He recommended that she see Dr. Jose Morcuende at the University of Iowa, who was five hours away from the family’s home in Iowa. Andres instantly connected with Dr. Morcuende, and Tammy agreed to the surgery.

Andres underwent surgery in December of 2006 and has since seen exceptional results due to the implant’s outstanding fit and Andres’ infectious optimism. In addition to intense chemotherapy, Andres receives physical therapy as often as three times a day. Andres and his family are pleased and proud with the promising results, such as his ability to flex his leg 105 degrees.

While against Dr. Morcuende’s recommendation, Tammy is allowing Andres to play soccer next season. “Anytime we can celebrate life, we do it,” Tammy says. Andres is also currently training on a stationary bicycle in hopes of riding alongside Lance Armstrong when he rides through Dumont during the legendary RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). Armstrong’s fight against cancer has been a source of inspiration to Andres and his family, who are reaching out to Mr. Armstrong in hopes of coordinating a meeting.

Tammy strongly believes that her son’s story proves that patients don’t always have to accept a doctor’s dismal opinion. She is grateful that she had the opportunity to choose her son’s treatment and work with a select group of outstanding doctors. Andres’ family has nicknamed him “bionic boy” to remind him that he should not look at his implant as a disability. Instead, his family encourages him to believe that “the REPIPHYSIS® System gives him strength.”

These results are specific to this individual only. Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level.
There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery.
Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks and possible outcomes.