An expert team from Tianjin Hospital provides free screenings for joint developmental disorders among children in Chamdo, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Over the National Day holiday, a medical team from Tianjin Hospital traveled to Chamdo in the Xizang autonomous region and completed free, life-changing corrective orthopedic surgeries for four children with complex limb deformities.

Experts from Tianjin Hospital arrive at Chamdo Prople's Hospital in Xizang on Monday to perform hip-preserving corrective surgeries for children in Chamdo, Xizang autonomous region.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The mission team, led by Zhang Zhongli, director of the hospital's pediatric orthopedics department, included specialists in anesthesiology, pediatric orthopedics, and surgical nursing. Working at an average altitude of 3,500 meters, the doctors overcame altitude sickness and collaborated with staff from Chamdo People's Hospital. All four complicated hip reconstructions were finished without complications.

A pediatric orthopedics team from Tianjin Hospital offers diagnosis and treatment to patients in Chamdo, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Beyond surgeries, the Tianjin experts offered hands-on clinical training for local medical staff on pediatric hip deformity diagnosis, surgical skills, and post-operation rehabilitation. Medical expenses for the young patients were covered by the Fang Xianzhi Medical Development Foundation of Tianjin Hospital.

Orthopedic teams from Tianjin Hospital and multiple hospitals in Chamdo reach a consensus on elevating the pediatric orthopedics capacity of local medical services. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The team has now given free orthopedic corrective treatment to 16 children in Xizang. A three-year joint program between Tianjin and Chamdo is underway to build a sustainable local pediatric orthopedic medical system on the plateau, so that more young patients can receive treatment without traveling long distances.