"TODAY MY GAIT IS ALMOST NORMAL AGAIN AND THERE IS NO PAIN OR INFLAMMATION."

Testimonial: Steve Mansfield
Pathology: Infection in a knee fracture

“After weeks in bed with a severe leg infection and no clear plan, Prof. Ricardo Sousa and his team gave me a clear path forward – today my gait is almost normal again and there is no pain or inflammation.”

Steve reached a critical point in his clinical journey following a skiing accident that resulted in a severe tibial plateau fracture. After the initial reconstruction, metal plates were left in place, which ultimately led to a deep infection below the knee. The situation worsened to the point where the leg had continuous drainage of infected fluid, while Steve remained bedridden, with no clear answers regarding the future of the limb.

For several weeks, the clinical focus was primarily on systemic complications — blood infection and suspected cardiac involvement — while the local bone infection seemed to be deprioritised. The knee and tibia continued to drain, with no integrated plan addressing all aspects of the problem. The uncertainty and absence of a clear strategy caused immense emotional strain.

It was in this context that a videoconference consultation was arranged with Professor Ricardo Sousa and his team. From the very first contact, the difference was evident. The consultation brought together Orthopaedics and Infectious Diseases, finally providing a comprehensive view of the case. For the first time, all the pieces of the puzzle were considered together: the tibial bone infection, the bloodstream infection, and the associated cardiac complication.

The team presented a clear, structured, and phased plan, with defined objectives and clinical criteria to proceed safely toward recovery. Within minutes, what had until then seemed like a directionless scenario was transformed into a controlled and understandable strategy. The predominant feeling at the end of the consultation was relief.

After several weeks of intensive intravenous antibiotic therapy, Steve was finally in a condition to undergo surgery. Entry into the operating theatre was swift and efficient — this was already the fourth surgery on the same knee. The instructions were simple and clear: the team assumed full control of the infection; the patient’s responsibility was to focus on recovery.

The postoperative period was demanding. The surgical wound took several months to heal, with persistent fluid drainage and the need for daily local care. Recovery was not linear — there were days of progress followed by setbacks — but at no point was there disorientation. Communication remained constant and direct: photographs and short videos sent via message were quickly reviewed, with clear and reassuring instructions on how to proceed.

This close follow-up proved decisive. Knowing that every change was being monitored and interpreted by a team who knew the case in depth provided security and confidence during a long and delicate period of recovery. As the bone consolidated and the infection subsided, contact became less frequent, reflecting the clinical improvement.

For several months, Steve was unable to bear weight on the leg, until, early the following year, progressive weight-bearing began. The wound had healed, and the muscle strengthening process commenced. Progress was slow but consistent.

Approximately one year after surgery, Steve walks without protecting the leg, with an almost normal gait. There are no inflammatory signs, significant residual pain, or feelings of instability. Strength continues to improve, and the leg responds naturally to physical effort.

Full testimonial here: