Case Study 4: Brisbane to China Beijing

Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital to China Rehabilitation Research Centre Beijing

A 30-year-old male from China fell from a three-story building and landed in the adjacent carpark. He was taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital where a Computed Tomography (CT) brain scan revealed a right partial Extra-Dural Haematoma (EDH), a burst L1-L3 anterior crush fractures with multiple large retropulsed fragments resulting in an incomplete spinal cord injury, T12 fracture and right foot fracture. He was taken to theatre for right frontal craniotomy, evacuation of the EDH.

The patient underwent L1-L3 Corpectomy and internal fixation, however, his neurology remains unchanged with limited sensation and no power to his lower limbs.

His post operative recovery was unremarkable and with no family in Australia a decision was made to Aero-Medically Evacuate him back to his family in China.

At twelve months and with stem cell therapy the patient has made a remarkable recovery and is walking short distances with a frame.

“All of the families are quite moved by your professional manners and caring last night. Again we need to express our most sincere appreciation to you and to all the kind people [that] helped out in this tragedy.”

Patient’s niece.