Condition

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that causes thickening and hardening of the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect internal organs, leading to various symptoms such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, skin tightening, joint pain, and organ dysfunction. Scleroderma can complicate surgeries due to skin and tissue involvement, increased risk of scarring, impaired wound healing, and potential complications in affected organs.

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms related to scleroderma include skin tightening and thickening, especially on the fingers and hands, Raynaud’s phenomenon (color changes in response to cold or stress), joint pain and stiffness, muscle weakness, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, acid reflux, shortness of breath, dry eyes and mouth, and gastrointestinal issues. Internal organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and digestive system can also be affected, leading to complications specific to each organ system.

Procedure Performed

LeFort I Segmental Osteotomy. Bilateral Total Joint Replacement (TJR). Genioplasty.
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In This Video

Joi had been on oxygen for 15 years and was having trouble eating and swallowing. She had been grinding her teeth which further deteriorated her joints. Her airway was also partially blocked which was extremely hazardous for her health. After her surgery, she was able to live more comfortably, and not have to rely on an oxygen tank. She expands further on her experience in the video.

Before

After

Before

After

Before Occlusion

After Occlusion

Before Surgery

After Surgery

Before Airway

Before Volume

After Airway

After Volume

Dr. Movahed’s Thoughts...

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“In this video, Dr. Movahed talks about Joi’s remarkable journey. She initially sought help for joint issues related to scleroderma, accompanied by obstructive sleep apnea. He discusses a previous procedure she had which involved reconstructing her joints with costochondral grafts, a rare and challenging technique that often has poor outcomes. Despite the complexities associated with Joi’s case, Dr. Movahed’s surgery significantly transformed her life, allowing her to breathe without a nasal cannula, reduce medications, and enhance pulmonary function.”