News / Health
Bristol hospital rebuilds child’s jaw using his own ribs
A team at Bristol Children’s Hospital have completed ‘life-changing’ surgery on a seven-year-old boy with Treacher Collins syndrome.
William Tuckwell, from Bath, had bone grafts taken from his ribs which were then used to construct his new jaw joints.
This surgery is the third in a series of jaw-strengthening operations William has received, allowing him to finally breathe, eat and swallow independently.
is needed now More than ever
William Tuckwell has undergone many surgeries at Bristol hospitals – photo: University Hospitals Bristol and Weston
Treacher Collins syndrome is a rare genetic condition, affecting around one in 50,000 children.
The syndrome disrupted the development of William’s facial bones, meaning that his airways were blocked.
William has required numerous surgeries since birth, all led by teams in University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust sites.
At one day old, William was admitted to St Michael’s Hospital where he spent three months in their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
By two weeks old, he had undergone a tracheostomy at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
His recent jaw surgery, however, meant that his breathing tube could safely be removed.
William’s mum, Kate Tuckwell, said: “After the tracheostomy was removed, the first thing we did was head to our local play park with a bouncy castle and celebrate with a milkshake.
“William has had major surgery pretty much since birth.
“The care we’ve received at BRHC has been phenomenal, from the surgeons to the play team who supported both William and his big sister, Alex.
“This most recent surgery is truly life-changing for William and our whole family.
“The coordination of his care has been exemplary. We are forever indebted.”
William can now live much more independently – photo: University Hospitals Bristol and Weston
William is now able to enjoy childhood experiences and freedoms alongside his peers.
He said: “I can’t wait to go down waterslides and have sleepovers at my friends’ houses on my own!”
The final stage of William’s treatment is scheduled for 2026, where surgeons will carry out further work to support his speech.
Alistair Cobb, consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon at UHBW, said: “This treatment isn’t new, but it is complex and rarely offered in so many aspects by a single, integrated team.
“What makes this even more special is that we’ve been able to provide every aspect of care locally, under one roof, from reconstructive surgery and airway management to cleft palate repair, speech therapy, specialised dentistry and hearing implants.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the results of the surgery.
“This achievement highlights not only the exceptional expertise of our clinical teams but also the power of true interdisciplinary collaboration at UHBW.”
Main photo: Tuckwell family
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