Implants Sponsorship
In accordance with the aim and objective of SRDC, we sponsor medical implants which are regarded as Privately Purchased Medical Items (PPMI) under the Hospital Authority in full for any patient whose family has difficulty in self-financing the expenses. Our past sponsored PPMI included MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control) System used in the treatment of severe progressive spinal deformities, ISKD Lengthener for limb lengthening of the tibia and femur, and Intrathecal Baclofen Pump for the relief of dystonia. We intend to support more young patients with PPMI needs in the future.
Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) System
Anterior VBT system has been introduced into our Implant Sponsorship program since 2020. It has been recently developed with specific vertebral body screws and a tether made of polyethylene that can be inserted via a minimally invasive approach with the aid of a thoracoscope. Anterior VBT is proving to be a promising technique for skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis. This technique can be performed safely and potentially result in progressive correction. VBT acts as an internal brace during growth, and if successful, it may avoid an open fusion surgery, and the patient may retain a free range of movement of the spine. The University of Hong Kong is the first centre to perform anterior VBT in the Greater China region.
Siu Ming
At the age of 13 when most boys growth thrive, Siu Ming’s physical development was affected by his scoliosis.
Siu Ming
At the age of 13 when most boys thrive, Siu Ming’s physical development was affected by his scoliosis.
Karen
11-year-old Karen has been diagnosed with scoliosis. An X-ray of her spine showed a Cobb angle of 52° in the spine sequels T8-L2.
Karen
11-year-old Karen has been diagnosed with scoliosis. Her spine showed a Cobb angle of 52°.
Miko
12-year-old Miko is diagnosed with scoliosis and suffered a significant sideways spine curvature. It was crucial for her to undergo timely and appropriate surgery.
Miko
12-year-old Miko is diagnosed with scoliosis and suffered a significant sideways spine curvature.
MAGEC (Magnetic Expansion Control) System
The Magnetic Controlled Growing Rod uses an internal magnet inside of the rod. The MAGEC System includes proprietary spinal implants (growing rods) and an External Remote Controller (ERC). Magnets outside the body contained in the ERC communicate with magnets in the implanted MAGEC rod to adjust its length. On one hand, the rod works with standard pedicle screws and hooks for increased ease of use. On the other hand, the remote can modify the length of the growing rod.
The advantage is it is a distraction without resorting to perform a general anesthetic procedure and without need for repeated incisions which creates ghastly scars. Normally one rod is inserted on each side of the spine so that two rods are used in the surgery. The total cost of the equipment is more than HKD 110,000.
Hei Yi
Hei Yi was 7 years old when she was admitted to A&E with a fever. The doctor noticed that she had a spine curvature of 30° on her chest x-ray despite no obvious physical indicators.
Hei Yi
Hei Yi was 7 when the doctor noticed that she had a spine curvature despite no obvious physical indicators.
Chun Chun
Chun Chun was 5 years old when he first attended the scoliosis clinic for neuromuscular scoliosis in May 2015. He had difficulties with motor control, and suffered from muscle weakness.
Chun Chun
Chun Chun was 5 years old when he first attended the scoliosis clinic for neuromuscular scoliosis.
Yan Yan
Yan Yan was referred to DKCH when she was about nine years old in June 2011. She suffered from juvenile idiopathic scoliosis with Cobb’s angle of 68.2°.
Yan Yan
Yan Yan was suffered from juvenile idiopathic scoliosis with Cobb’s angle of 68.2°.
Ah J
At the age of 7, Ah J was diagnosed with early onset severe double thoracic scoliosis. His scoliosis in his thoracic spine at 41°, and from his lower thoracic to lumbar spine at 52°.
Ah J
At the age of 7, Ah J was diagnosed with early onset severe double thoracic scoliosis.
Man Man
Man Man suffered from Noonan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes a wide range of problems such as growth delay and heart abnormalities.
Man Man
Man Man suffered from Noonan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes a wide range of problems.
Mok Ho Cheung
Mok Ho Cheung is a boy afflicted with a number of health issues. He is suspected to have neurofibromatosis. It consists of a set of distinct genetic disorders.
Mok Ho Cheung
Mok Ho Cheung is a boy afflicted with a number of health issues. He is suspected to have neurofibromatosis.
Little Pui Pui
Little Pui Pui had already undergone three major surgeries with multiple medical problems at the age of 4. She suffered from Sotos syndrome which is a genetic condition.
Little Pui Pui
Little Pui Pui had already undergone three major surgeries with multiple medical problems at the age of 4.
Other Surgeries
ITB Pump - Ka Yee
Lam Ka Yee suffered from cerebral palsy since the age of 6. She had spasticity in her legs, or an unusual tightness of muscles, making her walk clumsily known as the ‘scissors feet’.
ITB Pump - Ka Yee
Lam Ka Yee suffered from cerebral palsy since the age of 6, making her walk clumsily known as the ‘scissors feet’.
ISKD - Kam Fai
Kam Fai is a 19 year old boy and suffering from leg length discrepancy (LLD) ever since he was born. His had to wear custom made shoes to maintain balance.
ISKD - Kam Fai
Kam Fai is a 19 year old boy and suffering from leg length discrepancy (LLD) ever since he was born.