Bow-legged girl 14 cm taller after life-changing surgery

By Amy Reast

A schoolgirl with severely bowed legs had life-changing surgery to straighten them - and it made her 14cm taller.

Fudia, 10, was born with a progressive orthopedic condition that worsened over time and caused her feet to turn inwards at a 90-degree angle.

It made it extremely difficult and painful for her to walk and she was bullied for her difference.

Local hospitals rejected her until eventually her uncle and guardian, Joseph, realized his last hope was surgery by Mercy Ships - an international hospital charity.

He and Fudia moved to Freetown, Sierra Leone, so they could get help the next time Mercy Ships docked there - and waited for six years until it returned in 2023.

On board, Fudia was diagnosed with Blount's disease, which causes severe leg deformities.

British volunteer surgeon Rachel Buckingham performed a four-hour procedure on Fudia on board Global Mercy in January.

The op fully straightened her legs and left her able to walk with confidence - as well as making her 14cm (5.5in) taller.

Joseph said: “We noticed it the very first day she was born - her legs were not normal.

“She got rejected in school by her friends and colleagues.

"Even after changing schools because of that, she was still suffering mockery from people.

"When she was selected for surgery, I was very happy. I wanted her to be OK and I wanted to see her standing straight.

"When I heard that her surgery was successful, I was happy thinking about the way her legs were turned before and seeing them straight now.

"I am really happy and overjoyed for all that has happened for Fudia.”

Dr Buckingham said Fudia's condition had been "severe but treatable" - and the youngster was determined to get walking as soon as she could after surgery.

Fudia’s recovery was both challenging and emotional, with unexpected delays and additional wound care and rehabilitation needed.

But she stayed strong and is now back on her feet - a fair bit taller - and much happier, thanks to Mercy Ships' surgery.

Dr Buckingham said: "I will never forget the first time I met Fudia - I could see she was struggling with the pain of her severely bowed legs.

"Every step was an agonizing effort. Her legs were so severely twisted that walking was a daily battle.

"As a volunteer children’s orthopedic surgeon with Mercy Ships, I’ve met many children who need urgent surgery, but something about Fudia’s quiet courage struck me deeply.

"Despite the suffering she’s endured – like being turned away from hospitals that couldn’t help her – she held on to hope.

“I’m so thankful we were able to provide the right surgery, and she can now walk, run and play happily.

“Every time I volunteer with Mercy Ships, I meet so many children just like Fudia who desperately need help – and I know the surgery we provide will change their lives.”

Fudia's aunt and caregiver, Massa, said the little girl now loves playing with her friends and going to school.

Fudia even told Massa she wants to be a doctor when she grows up - so she can help others, just like the Mercy Ships team helped her.

Massa added: "Fudia is no longer the way she was when she had the bowed legs. Her friends used to mock her.

"She was even ashamed to go to school. But now, no more shame. She plays with her friends always.

"She is better than before.”