The Importance of Repeated Reconstructive Surgery for Children with Injuries.

Ahmad in April 2024 after his expander extraction and rotation flap to help reconstruct the burn tissue on his head.

Losing a limb or being severely burned is a life-altering event, especially for children whose bodies are still growing and developing. 

When Ahmad Mustafa Burki lay in his cradle in his family home in Kobane, Syria, a missile struck the home leaving 6 month old Ahmad with life-threatening injuries. His parents were able to take him to the border with Turkey, where he was allowed to cross the border and receive initial treatment.

Ultimately the attack left Ahmad with 60% burns across his head and body. He lost two limbs - his left hand and left foot  - and he was unable to walk.

Ahmad with Swisscross head nurse, Kathrin Shultz in our screening clinic in 2023.

The Dynamic Nature of Childhood Growth

Ahmad was just under 3  years-old when he was referred to Swisscross in Erbil, Kurdistan in 2021. In the 17 months since he received his injuries he was unable to walk, and the skin around his burns had contracted while his bones and muscles were trying to grow.

Over the last two and half years, Ahmad has undergone multiple surgeries at the Swisscross Centre of Excellence for Complex Care in Erbil for burns across his face, torso and legs. He also had surgical interventions to be able to fit a prosthetic foot.  Swisscross was able to provide a temporary prosthetic foot for him, allowing Ahmad to walk for the first time in 2022. 

While prosthetic limbs have offered Ahmad a way to regain mobility and independence, the need for repeated reconstructive surgery is crucial. Children's bodies undergo rapid changes as they grow, making it challenging to maintain a proper fit for prosthetic limbs. What fits perfectly today may be too small or awkwardly positioned in just a few months' time. Repeated reconstructive surgery helps address these changes to accommodate a child's evolving anatomy.

Beyond simply adjusting for prosthetics, children like Ahmad need reconstructive surgery to address a range of challenges specific to growing children. Bone growth, muscle development, and skin integrity all play vital roles in form and function of bodies. 

During the April Humanitarian mission, Swisscross surgeons completed an expander extraction and rotation flap on Ahmad to help reconstruct the burn tissue on his head. Regular interventions will allow our healthcare professionals to monitor Ahmad’s function and mobility as he grows and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal quality of life.

Empowering Children and Families

Perhaps most importantly, repeated reconstructive surgery empowers children and their families to actively participate in their care. By collaborating with Swisscross medical professionals to address changing needs and explore new possibilities, children like Ahmad can lead fulfilling and active lives. Each surgery represents a step forward, a chance to overcome obstacles and embrace opportunities for growth and adaptation.

While the need for repeated reconstructive surgery may seem daunting, especially for young children, it is essential for ensuring the best possible outcomes for children. By addressing the dynamic nature of childhood growth, embracing technological advancements, and empowering children and families to actively participate in their care, we can enhance the lives of those living with limb loss, burn trauma and congenital differences and help them thrive in every aspect of life.

You can support children like Ahmad by donating to Swisscross.