▲Emily says Elena's positivity gives her confidence to win the fight against cancer.

Elena felt muscle pain on her left leg when playing football. It was thought to be just a sprain but persisted after remedies, and she was eventually referred to the HKCH. After multiple investigations including MRI and image-guided biopsy, she was diagnosed with left distal femur osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

The multidisciplinary team studied Elena’s case and agreed upon a treatment plan which consisted of pre-operative chemotherapy, surgery, post-operative chemotherapy and rehabilitation. Then, Hematology & Oncology went on to arrange the chemo courses, while Orthopaedics & Traumatology performed the surgery, and Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy conducted rehab training.

▲Elena came back to the hospital regularly for chemotherapy.

After three courses of chemo, Elena underwent a surgery where the tumor and part of her thigh bone were removed. A custom-made extendible prosthesis was also implanted in her leg. As Elena grows, the prosthesis can be extended bit by bit by magnetic field. This can balance the length of her legs in a painless and non-invasive way as no surgery is needed. Long-term quality of life can also be improved.

▲Elena put her leg into the limb extender, where her implanted prosthesis is extended by magnetic field. This procedure helps balance the length of her legs painlessly as she grows.

▲Right after her first limb lengthening, Elena underwent X-ray exam to assess treatment effectiveness.

Now Elena only needs regular follow-up, and training on walking and performing various daily activities so that she could return to a healthy and active life as soon as possible.

▲Elena practises walking with a physiotherapist at the central rehabilitation garden.

Elena’s mother Emily said Elena had been resilient and positive during the treatment and barely cried. She was grateful for the professional and attentive care of the multidisciplinary team, and felt confident in the fight against cancer beside Elena. As for Elena, she was very curious about the treatment and surgery, and even asked to see her excised tumor!