Matthew, REPIPHYSIS® Expandable Implant
In December 2002, Marci learned her son, Matthew, was suffering from a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma. Matthew was only five years old. While children may have a hard time with the diagnosis, Marci said Matthew had an amazing attitude throughout his treatment, which included 14 rounds of chemotherapy and a new type of prosthesis that can expand without surgery.

Shortly after Matthew was diagnosed, Marci told her son that he would need to undergo chemotherapy to live. After that conversation, Matthew approached his treatments with a positive attitude and seldom complained, despite the need for a blood transfusion after every second chemotherapy treatment.

In addition to the chemotherapy, Matthew's doctor, Dr. Frank Sim of the Mayo Clinic, recommended two surgery treatment options: rotationplasty, a disfiguring rotation and reattachment of Matthew's lower leg to his thigh that would require Matthew to undergo intensive therapy to strengthen and retain his muscles, or the REPIPHYSIS® Expandable Implant, an expandable prosthesis that acts as a "replacement bone," growing along with the healthy limb. The device, cleared by the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2002, eliminates the limb length discrepancy that often occurs with conventional prostheses. Despite the nine-hour drive required to get Matthew to a hospital offering the REPIPHYSIS® system, Marci and her husband had no hesitation when they chose the REPIPHYSIS® Expandable Implant for their son.

Because of the location of Matthew's cancer - in his upper femur - the choice for the REPIPHYSIS® system hit a speed bump. Until Matthew, the REPIPHYSIS® Expandable Implant had never been used to replace an upper femur, allowing the patient to keep his own knee, as well as a couple inches of the femur bone near the hip. Marci had to work with the device's maker to apply for special permission from the FDA to use the device on Matthew. Fortunately, the FDA gave permission, and Matthew was implanted in late March 2003.

Today, Marci said Matthew hasn't slowed down at all. According to Marci, "The REPIPHYSIS® implant is a fantastic treatment, and a better option for children than the others available. It made a wonderful difference in our lives."

Matthew is active playing kickball, regularly keeping up his dog, Josie, and riding his bike all over the neighborhood. Best of all, Matthew has completed his chemotherapy and is healthy! Marci credits part of Matthew's success, and especially his current activity level, to the REPIPHYSIS® system. With the REPIPHYSIS® Expandable Implant, Matthew didn't need to have revision surgeries (he hates being under anesthesia and Marci didn't want him to lose too much of his life) and was able to keep his leg.

Marci said she wants all parents to know about this treatment option and hopes that it can make as positive an impact in their lives as it did in her family's life.

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.