The 21st Chinese medical team in Guinea-Bissau has successfully performed surgery to treat a complex open trimalleolar ankle fracture. The operation was carried out recently at the China-Guinea-Bissau Friendship Hospital on 45-year-old Sano Braima, who presented a severe ankle fracture with joint instability, infection and soft tissue injuries, according to the Chinese medical team.

Chen Mingcan, a Chinese orthopaedic surgeon and the lead doctor for the operation, stated that the Chinese team worked closely with local professionals to assess the case and refine the surgical plan before proceeding with the intervention.

During the procedure, the Chinese doctors also provided on-site training to the Guinean medical team, explaining the key stages of standardised trauma treatment and joint repair. Felix Mandjam Sambu, a local chief surgeon who participated in the operation, noted that the procedure introduced a new method of internal fixation for open fractures complicated by ankle dislocation.

Post-operative examination revealed good fracture reduction and stable fixation, the Chinese team reported. Braima also expressed satisfaction with the treatment, saying: "I am grateful to the surgical team, especially the Chinese doctors. I am very satisfied with the care I received."

(Source: Xinhua Português, on 23 March)