KIambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and other County officials during his recent Visit at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital
In a groundbreaking medical procedure, an 11-year-old boy from Kiambu County has regained hope for a normal life after surgeons at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital successfully repaired a severe arm injury.
The five-hour operation, a first for the hospital, involved a complex nerve transplant and tendon transfer to restore the boy’s arm function after a humerus fracture had severely damaged both his nerve and tendon.
According to the boy’s mother, his son fell from a tree leading to a fracture of his left hand, he rushed him to Gatundu Hospital where he was admitted.
Wangari said after examinations by the doctors, it was established that the hand had suffered and he needed to be operated on including orthopaedic implants to repair the hand.
The boy’s mother, Mercy Wangari, expressed relief following the successful surgery.
“It was heartbreaking to watch him struggle with even simple tasks like dressing himself. But now, knowing that he will heal and live a normal life again, I’m so thankful,” she said.
According to Dr. Dorsi Jowi, the lead reconstructive surgeon, the 11-year-old boy had a fracture on his left hand which resulted in an injury to the nerve which affected the functioning of the hand.
The doctor added that the boy could not lift his hand, especially at the wrist, and his fingers could not move.
“If this surgery hadn’t been done, it would have seriously impacted his life, limiting his ability to perform basic tasks and affecting his future,” said Dr. Dorsi Jowi.
The boy’s injury, which had been closely monitored by medical staff, presented a critical challenge.
According to Dr Mativo, an orthopaedic surgeon at Gatundu, when the young boy got into an accident at their farm, his left hand got an open humerus fracture with a traumatic complete radial nerve tear and subsequent wrist drop.
Mativo added that the procedure was necessary to ensure the boy could regain full use of his arm.
“We had been following his case closely, knowing that this was a critical moment for his future,” Dr Mativo shared.
When the boy was taken to Gatundu hospital he underwent surgical toileting and debridement for the open fracture to contain the contamination that occurred when the injury happened.
“After the hand was fixed with orthopaedic implants, a multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic, Plastic and reconstruction surgeons was set up which did the final nerve and tendon transfer,” Dr Mativo added.
This successful operation is a testament to Gatundu Level 5 Hospital’s growing medical capacity, made possible by recent investments in advanced equipment and specialized training.
“Patients no longer have to be transferred to other facilities for such procedures,” said Dr. Muriu Kinuthia, a plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon.
“Our health system can now handle these intricate surgeries, which is a major step forward for healthcare access in the county.”
The procedure marks a milestone for the young patient and for healthcare in Kiambu County, as local facilities continue to expand their ability to handle complex medical cases.
For the boy and his family, the surgery represents more than just medical recovery—it is the restoration of hope.
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