Expandable implant - alternative to limb salvaging, amputation or Van Ness Rotationplasty.

Patient Testimonial

Bria, REPIPHYSIS® Expandable Implant

Even cancer with its devastating darkness couldn't keep young Bria from shining. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at six years old, Bria fearlessly fought back from the darkness, forcing her cancer into remission for more than five years now. Bria began her battle at Miami Children's Hospital where she spent nine months receiving chemotherapy that ravaged her body and stripped Bria of her hair. Halfway through treatment, Bria and her family learned that her cancer had spread throughout her femur, and doctors recommended amputation as Bria's best chance for remission.

Bria's mother Carol and her father Ed were terrified and hoped there was another option available. She immediately started researching alternatives and found Dr. Hudson Berry in Gainsville that offered a new advanced prosthesis. The REPIPHYSIS® Expandable Implant replaces a child's cancerous bone and acts as a "replacement bone," growing along with the healthy limb, thus eliminating the limb length discrepancy that often occurs with conventional prostheses. Instead of undergoing repeated surgeries to extend the device, as is the case with non-expandable implants, the REPIPHYSIS® system uses an electromagnetic field to slowly lengthen the implant internally.

Armed with new hope, Bria and her family traveled to Gainesville to meet with Dr. Berry. After examining Bria's case, Dr. Berry believed she was a great candidate for the REPIPHYSIS® and scheduled surgery immediately. Bria still had a few more months of chemotherapy to endure, but after completing her therapies, she is now cancer free and blessed with two, working legs.

"Bria can do almost everything her friends can do," according to her mom, Carol. Bria has taken her battle with cancer and turned it into a positive, meaningful experience. Bria volunteers with the American Cancer Society and has established a non-profit organization, Bria's Bears, that donates hand-delivered teddy bears to local children fighting cancer. "Bria is amazing. In the face of tragedy, she inspires other children with cancer that there is hope for a future," Carol continues.

Bria has been recognized by her community for all her hard work and was one of the top ten 2008 Prudential Community Spirit Award winners. Bria attended a ceremony in Washington, DC to receive her award. This wasn't Bria's first time in DC. In 2006, Bria visited with Senators to discuss childhood cancer as an advocate for the American Cancer Society.

These results are specific to this individual only. Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level.
There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery.
Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks and possible outcomes.

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