John Purcell from Ashbourne Co Meath was the first patient in the world to receive surgery to straighten the fingers on both his hands, thanks to the surgical team at NOHC led by Dr Grainne Colgan and team. John, who you may know from TVs Gogglebox, was also an international soccer referee. John was born with a rare genetic condition called Trismus pseudo camptodactyly which affected the fingers on both hands, which he could not straighten. This made simple tasks like shaving, holding a pint and even high-fiving his grandchildren impossible for him to do. The pioneering surgery performed at the NOHC for the first time anywhere in the world was a complete success. It involved lengthening the tendons on his hands using every aspect of Dr Colgan’s training in orthopaedics and plastic surgery and her background in congenital development and spasticity surgery.
‘I’d been looking for a solution all my life’
Within three months of surgery and physiotherapy, John’s hands were working perfectly and had not lost any strength.
‘I can shave, I can clap, I can say my prayers, I can shake hands!’
Since John’s operation, his brother Martin and nephew Graham also had this life changing surgery at NOHC to straighten their hands. John wanted to share his story to showcase the pioneering surgery taking place at the NOHC. Cappagh Hospital Foundation is proud to support research, education and training at NOHC so more patients like John can live fuller lives. Your support makes the world of difference.
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