Born with a rare genetic disease that caused a severe deformity in her leg, a girl from Northern Israel underwent a unique surgical procedure at Rambam Health Care Campus. Ten years after the initial intervention, the complex, long-term treatment is complete, resulting in a full life without physical limitations.
Rasil Zuyhad, a 15-year-old girl from Beit Jann in Northern Israel, was born with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a rare genetic condition that can affect the nervous system, skin, and bone development. In her case, the disease caused a progressive deformity of the tibia, placing her at high risk of spontaneous fracture and long-term functional impairment.
Physicians at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) made an early decision to intervene using a rare preventive surgical technique that has been performed only five other times in Israel. The surgery was led by Professor Mark Eidelman, Director of Rambam’s Pediatric Orthopedics Unit at the Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital. Three of the surgeries using this technique, including Rasil’s, were performed by Professor Eidelman; the remaining three were performed by his teacher and mentor, Professor John Herzenberg.
“When Rasil was very young, it was clear that without intervention, the deformity would worsen and could lead to a severe fracture with major functional consequences,” says Professor Eidelman. “Our aim was to prevent that outcome before it happened.”
At the age of five, Rasil underwent surgery using the McFarland procedure, a technique first described in the 1930s but rarely used today. The procedure involves implanting a donor bone allograft alongside the tibia to offload stress from the curved bone and support proper growth.
Following the initial surgery and several months of casting, Rasil began the second phase of treatment using the Ilizarov external fixation method, allowing for gradual, controlled correction of the bone as she grew. Over time, the tibia straightened completely.
Today, a decade after the first surgery, Rasil has no physical limitations. “We moved from a situation of severe functional risk to one where she can do whatever she wants,” says Professor Eidelman. “No one would ever guess that her leg once looked different.”
Rasil’s mother, Maha, describes a long and demanding journey. “There were difficult moments and painful treatments, but today Rasil lives without fear,” she says. “She runs, rides a bike, hikes, and plays sports. She understands her condition and speaks about it confidently. The guidance we received from Professor Eidelman over the years at Rambam made this outcome possible.”
The case underscores Rambam’s role as a national referral center for complex pediatric orthopedic conditions and reflects its commitment to long-term, multidisciplinary care, even when treatment requires rare techniques and years of follow-up.
This story is based on a Hebrew language article published by Mako.
