Dr. Tran Van Nam and Mr. Ton That Hung
On August 19, 2016, in Ho Chi Minh City, a symposium titled “Diamond Bone Therapy in the Treatment of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), Osteoporosis, and Osteoarthritis” was held, attracting over 70 experts from traditional medicine and orthopedic trauma fields. The symposium, presented by leading experts on brittle bone disease including Nguyen Quang Long, Ton That Hung, Tran Van Nam, and Le Dinh Lam, focused on a combined Eastern-Western medical approach to improve the quality of life for patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).
Dr. Tran Van Nam, former acting Vice Director of the HCMC Institute of Traditional Medicine and a pioneer in applying the “4T” therapy to treat OI, along with Ton That Hung – Director of Hoa Ca Crocodile Company – shared encouraging results from this model with STINFO magazine.
Understanding Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), commonly known as brittle bone disease, is a genetic disorder that currently has no complete cure. The primary cause is a mutation in the gene encoding type 1 collagen (COL1A1), accounting for about 80% of cases. This mutation reduces the quantity or quality of collagen, leading to damage in all tissues made from type 1 collagen, including bones, ligaments, teeth, and the sclera of the eyes.
Typical symptoms of the disease include: multiple fractures from minor impacts, skeletal deformities, chronic pain, yellowish dentin, blue sclera, limited mobility, and delayed physical development. Additionally, OI patients are prone to opportunistic infections such as respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, which are the leading causes of death in this group.
From a modern medical perspective, treatment for OI mainly focuses on symptom management, such as physical therapy (less common due to fracture risks), casting or surgery when fractures occur, and calcium supplementation. Some large hospitals use intravenous bisphosphonate drugs, but these come with high costs and unclear effectiveness.
Treatment Goals
Currently, the main goals in caring for OI patients include:
- Pain reduction and fracture prevention.
- Prevention and control of opportunistic infections.
- Restoration of mobility and improvement of physical condition (movement, labor).
Combined Eastern-Western Therapy: An Effective Model
Experiments have shown that combining Eastern and Western medicine in OI treatment yields superior results. The regimen includes two main branches: internal care (Eastern medicine) and orthopedic surgery (Western medicine).
Internal Care (Eastern Medicine): The 4T Therapy
The 4T therapy is built around four core elements: Medication, Exercise, Spirit, and Nutrition.
Medication:
The primary preparation contains collagen from crocodile bone extract, which has been studied both preclinically and clinically, showing significant effects in pain relief, anti-inflammation, strengthening physical endurance, and boosting immunity.
Notably, the concentration of 4-hydroxyproline – a characteristic amino acid in crocodile bone extract – plays a crucial role in regenerating type 1 collagen, helping bones become stronger and reducing fracture risk.
Exercise:
Swimming is recommended as a mandatory therapy. This activity is both safe and promotes bone formation by stimulating osteoblast activity, while also strengthening muscle systems, thereby minimizing fracture risks.
Nutrition:
A diet rich in minerals, vitamins (especially C and D), proteins (both animal and plant-based), carbohydrates, and fats.
Probiotics and digestive enzymes are supplemented to enhance nutrient absorption, boost immunity, and reduce the frequency of respiratory and gastrointestinal inflammations.
Spirit:
Mental encouragement and positive mindset training for children help them overcome inferiority complexes and integrate into society. Activities such as attending school, participating in cultural studies, and socializing with peers are encouraged.
Orthopedic Surgery (Western Medicine): The Fifth T Therapy
Orthopedic surgery is considered the “fifth T therapy,” applied when pediatric patients meet health criteria (good physical condition, stable respiratory function, normal cardiovascular system). Surgery can be planned in advance or performed urgently in case of sudden fractures.
Treatment Results
As of May 2016, nearly 100 children with OI were being cared for and treated at Loc Xuan Sub-Association (Thạnh Xuân Ward, District 12, HCMC), part of the HCMC Poor Patients Association. Among them, 76 were outpatient children (under 5 years old, living near HCMC), and 23 were inpatient children (severe cases, economically disadvantaged families). The results achieved from the combined Eastern-Western therapy are as follows:
- 95% of children were pain-free after 7-30 days of care.
- Fracture frequency reduced by 57%-78%, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Mobility recovery reached 36%-66%, depending on physical condition. Most children could walk independently, with a few requiring crutches.
- No postoperative infections were recorded.
- Most children attended school, integrated into the community, and continued their education.
Conclusion
The combined Eastern-Western medicine model for treating brittle bone disease has proven to be highly effective, not only managing symptoms but also significantly improving patients’ quality of life. This approach holds great potential, offering new hope for the OI patient community in Vietnam.
Beyond Vietnam, Mr. Hung dreams of global recognition. After restarting his business post-pandemic, he plans to visit the United States to promote the international program. If recognized by American experts, this therapy could benefit children worldwide.
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