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Indonesian Man Receives Fourth Surgery to Correct Fracture

07 June 2012

From by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Laurie Dexter.

Sony Kembuan, an Indonesian resident, has received desperately needed bone surgery aboard USNS Mercy on June 3 during Pacific Partnership 2012’s visit to Indonesia.

NORTH SULAWESI, Indonesia (June 3, 2012) - Sony Kembuan, an Indonesian resident, has received desperately needed bone surgery aboard USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) on June 3 during Pacific Partnership 2012’s visit to Indonesia.

Three years ago Kembuan riding his motorcycle when the unexpected happened. On his way home from work one evening, his motorcycle collided with a vehicle, and he was left with a broken femur.

Three years later, Sony embarked on the USNS Mercy to receive life-changing surgery.

“It was an accident that has led me to the hospital on multiple occasions,” said Sony. “When I heard the Mercy was coming I knew I had to get on it to finally get better.”

Lt. William Westbrook, an intensive care unit nurse aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), said Sony came aboard Mercy with a deformed leg and a limp.

“The local doctors attempted to repair the fracture three times,” Westbrook said.

“But the bones were not connected correctly, and one previous surgery involved the use of pins, which accidentally ended up fracturing the bone further.”

The surgery took a total of nine hours from start to finish.

The procedure involved wrapping wiring around the fracture to help stabilize the existing screws allowing for more mobility and a stronger brace for his leg.

“I can move my foot now,” said Sony.

“I couldn’t do that after my last surgery. I am very satisfied with the medical service I received.

“Thank you all so much.”

Westbrook said the surgery was a huge success with no complications.

“I hope this surgery changes his life for the better,” said Westbrook.

“I hope we were able to repair the fracture in order to give him the proper alignment, mobility and pain-free lifestyle that he deserves.”

This surgery was one of many as part of Pacific Partnership 2012.

Now in its seventh year, Pacific Partnership is an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission U.S. military personnel, host and partner nations, non-governmental organizations and international agencies designed to build stronger relationships and develop disaster response capabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

For more information about the PP12 mission, please visit the Pacific Partnership Blog or engage with Pacific Partnership on Facebook and Twitter.

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