OPERATION HAITHAM

Mohammad Haitham and his family found refuge in a displacement camp near Mosul, Iraq. Living in extreme poverty, Haitham’s family struggled daily to meet basic needs, making access to medical care an unattainable luxury.

Haitham was born with a congenital deformity of the right hand known as clinodactyly, a condition where one or more fingers are abnormally curved due to improper bone development. This curvature often affects the small finger and, if left untreated, can progressively impair hand function, making everyday tasks difficult or even impossible.

While clinodactyly can result from injury during early childhood, in Haitham’s case, it was likely a congenital condition. X-rays confirmed a significant angular deformity in the bones of his right hand, specifically a radial deviation, posing a risk of functional loss.

After his evaluation, the medical team determined that corrective surgery was necessary. The procedure would involve an osteotomy, a surgical technique in which a wedge of bone is removed to correct the angle of the finger. Internal fixation using pins and screws, would be applied to stabilize the finger and promote healing.

Thanks to the compassionate support of our donors, Veterans Rebuilding Life successfully raised the $1,000 needed to cover Haitham’s complete course of care, including diagnostic imaging, preoperative assessments, and surgery.

On May 29, 2025, Haitham was admitted to Al-Madina Hospital in Mosul. His surgery was led by Dr. Faisal Saud Shaeer, a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery with experience in pediatric hand deformities. The operation was a success: the abnormal curvature was corrected, and the finger was stabilized to heal in proper alignment.

Haitham is recovering and is expected to have full movement in his hand. From all of us at Veterans Rebuilding Life, thank you for making healing possible.