Omar S., 18

Omar Sadek is an 18-year-old Rohingya youth and Class 10 student who dreams of becoming a teacher, but has developed progressive pain and swelling in his left thigh and knee, making walking and weight-bearing increasingly difficult. His father is an elderly day labourer and the family’s sole earner, earning only approximately BDT 3,000 (around USD 25) per month, which is insufficient to support the family’s basic needs, leaving them unable to afford Omar’s surgical treatment. Omar lives with his parents and five siblings in a fragile tarpaulin shelter in the camp and learned about Helpster Charity through volunteer Abu Sayad. He has been diagnosed with an aneurysmal bone cyst of the left distal femur and requires surgical removal of the cyst followed by bone grafting and fixation. Without timely treatment, the cyst may further weaken the femur, increasing the risk of pathological fracture, worsening pain and mobility problems, and potentially causing long-term disability.

The attending orthopedic surgeon advised prompt surgical treatment, including removal/curettage of the bone cyst with bone grafting and fixation of the affected distal femur, to prevent further bone weakening and fracture. With appropriate treatment, stabilization, and regular follow-up, the condition has a favorable prognosis with a good likelihood of recovery and restoration of limb function. If left untreated, the cyst may cause further bone destruction, worsening pain and functional difficulty, and increase the risk of pathological fracture; severe complications may occur in serious cases and may even be life-threatening.