Jane23
Supporter
Joined: 23 Jul 2005
Posts: 465
Report abuse
|
 Posted: 12/15/05 - 19:20 Post subject: Boy endures 128 face operations |
  |
|
Pfeiffer syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by the premature fusion of certain bones of the skull. Pfeiffer syndrome prevents further growth of the skull and affects the shape of the head and face. In addition, the thumbs and big toes usually become broader and shorter than normal.
Oliver Cartwright, eight-year-old boy of Crick, Northants, was born with Pfeiffer Syndrome. He had undergone 128 operations on his face and skull and had been in intensive care 11 times so far.
When he was born, his skull was prematurely fused. There was no space left for his brain to develop. In order to rebuild his bone structure, surgeons from Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, have repeatedly broken his skull and will continue to perform these procedure until Oliver reaches age of 17 and his face and brain fully develop.
What is more, Oliver has no knuckles, has problems with his sight and hearing and needs operations on his feet.
Oliver is a happy child who likes spending time with his parents and pets.
His mother is planning to raise funds for the Radcliffe Hospital that saved his life. |
|
