Public-private partnership restores independence for Strand resident after pioneering surgery

GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - For Mr Tashinga Skipa (46), a resident of Strand, the ability to walk without crutches marks far more than a medical milestone. It represents a return to independence, dignity and confidence after years of living with severe mobility limitations.

Mr Skipa sustained life-altering injuries to both legs in a high-impact motor vehicle collision in 2018. Despite multiple surgical attempts to save his limbs, extensive damage and compromised blood supply ultimately resulted in bilateral above-knee amputations.

Following rehabilitation, he was fitted with conventional prosthetic limbs. However, socket-based prostheses proved physically demanding.

Like many bilateral above-knee amputees, he required significant effort to walk and remained dependent on two crutches, as well as assistance with daily activities.

Today, his circumstances have changed dramatically.

After undergoing a pioneering bilateral osseointegration procedure at Tygerberg Hospital, Mr Skipa is now able to walk independently without crutches.

Osseointegration is an advanced surgical technique in which a titanium implant is anchored directly into the femur, allowing a prosthetic limb to attach to the skeleton rather than through a traditional socket system. This approach can improve balance, reduce the energy required for walking and eliminate many of the discomforts associated with socket-based prostheses.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr Skipa expressed appreciation for the healthcare teams involved, noting the significant improvement in his mobility and quality of life.

Partnership expands access to specialised care

Mr Skipa’s case forms part of a collaborative limb reconstruction and rehabilitation programme involving Tygerberg Hospital, Stellenbosch University and Mediclinic Stellenbosch, in partnership with the Institute of Orthopaedics and Rheumatology in Stellenbosch.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness supports such partnerships to expand access to highly specialised procedures for selected public sector patients.

Professor Nando Ferreira, Head of the Limb Reconstruction Unit in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, said these collaborations allow for the responsible introduction of advanced procedures within the public health system.

“Partnerships such as this enable us to expand access to specialised care, while maintaining strong clinical governance and careful patient selection,” he said.

Building local expertise

The development of osseointegration services within the Tygerberg-Stellenbosch platform follows several important milestones.

Professor Ferreira previously performed South Africa’s first osseointegration procedure, paving the way for further development in this field.

Dr Franz Birkholtz, an orthopaedic limb reconstruction specialist affiliated with Mediclinic Winelands Orthopaedic Hospital and the Institute of Orthopaedics and Rheumatology, later established the country’s first dedicated osseointegration service, Team Osseo Stellies, also known as the Stellenbosch Osseointegration Centre.

Through collaboration with Stellenbosch University and support from the provincial health department, the programme has evolved into a structured, multidisciplinary service with defined clinical pathways and comprehensive rehabilitation support.

Complex surgery and recovery

The bilateral procedure was performed at Tygerberg Hospital by Dr Birkholtz and Professor Ferreira, with mentorship support from an international surgical team from Erasmus University Medical Center.

Mr Skipa underwent simultaneous implantation of custom-designed, single-unit osseointegrated titanium stems into both femurs. The procedure required careful planning and precise execution, given the complexity of operating on both limbs in a single surgical session.

The surgery was completed successfully, and his initial recovery was uneventful.

Pre-operative radiograph with bilateral above-knee socket prostheses.

Rehabilitation key to success

Following discharge, Mr Skipa entered a structured rehabilitation programme led by Dr Birkholtz and the multidisciplinary Team Osseo Stellies at the Institute of Orthopaedics and Rheumatology.

The programme includes progressive loading, advanced gait training and functional conditioning, aimed at restoring mobility and building confidence.

“Access to a structured rehabilitation pathway is essential to achieving good outcomes in these complex cases,” Dr Birkholtz said.

Post-operative radiograph showing osseointegrated prostheses in both femurs.

A life changed

For Mr Skipa, the results are evident in everyday life. He is now able to walk independently without crutches, with improved balance and significantly reduced physical effort.

For a person living with bilateral above-knee amputations, this represents a substantial improvement in mobility, independence and overall quality of life.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness acknowledged the contribution of all partners involved, including Tygerberg Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Mediclinic Stellenbosch, the Institute of Orthopaedics and Rheumatology, Team Osseo Stellies and Erasmus University Medical Center.

The case highlights how carefully managed collaboration across sectors can strengthen specialised healthcare services in the province, while keeping the focus on improving patient outcomes and lived experience.

Mr Skipa. Photos: Supplied