Alex Henry O., 9

Alex is the youngest of three children and lives with his single father and siblings in a one-room mud-walled house. His mother separated from the family when he was a toddler. His father is the sole provider, depending on irregular menial jobs and small-scale farming. Alex is in Grade One, enjoys reading and playing, and dreams of becoming a doctor. During the school holidays, Alex and a friend climbed a tree to pick fruits after becoming hungry while playing. His friend suddenly shouted that there was a snake, startling Alex and causing him to lose his balance and fall. His brother heard the impact and found Alex lying on the ground unable to move, with his leg visibly deformed. He was rushed to Helmi Jonas Hospital, assessed and referred to Siaya County Referral Hospital for specialized management. His father initially hesitated to proceed with the referral because he had neither active social health insurance nor money to meet the anticipated hospital costs. During the referral process, the family was informed about Helpster Charity and connected with the area volunteer for guidance and possible assistance with Alex’s inpatient treatment.

Alex was brought to the hospital complaining of pain on the right lower limb secondary to a fall from a tree. Xcray revealed he had suffered a fracture of the right femur. Traction was placed on his leg for over two weeks. Imaging results showed reduction had not been achieved through traction, thus Alex was referred to a higher level facility for orthopaedic surgery.

Alex sustained a right femoral shaft fracture and was placed on skin traction to maintain alignment, reduce pain and muscle spasm, and support healing. He requires inpatient monitoring, adequate pain control and regular assessment of the affected limb. Further management will depend on fracture alignment and healing progress. In children, femoral fractures generally heal well with appropriate treatment. His prognosis is favourable, although recovery will take several weeks and follow-up is necessary to monitor bone healing and return to normal walking.