Florida Teen Loses 170-Pound Leg After Rare Condition
A Florida teen underwent a 17-hour surgery after a rare and unidentified medical condition caused severe and abnormal growth of her left leg. The surgery involved amputating the limb after doctors determined the condition had led to a dangerous, treatment-resistant infection.
Abnormal leg growth began in early childhood
Jasmine Ramirez, a 14-year-old from Florida, developed abnormal growth of her left leg starting around the age of two. Over the years, the leg continued to grow faster than the rest of her body.
According to her family, doctors were unable to determine the exact cause. Medical evaluations showed that the growth involved multiple tissues, including bone, blood vessels, fat, and soft tissue. At one stage, the condition was managed as a lymphatic or tumour-related disorder, but no definitive diagnosis was made.
Progressive loss of mobility
During early childhood, Jasmine was able to walk. As the leg increased in size and weight, her mobility declined. Eventually, the limb became too heavy for her to walk safely, and she required a wheelchair for daily movement.
The size of the leg also affected routine activities, including clothing and personal care, which required ongoing adjustments.
In recent weeks, Jasmine was hospitalised at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital after developing a serious infection in the affected leg. The infection did not respond to standard antibiotic treatment.
Doctors warned that the infection could become life-threatening if it spread. After reviewing available options, the medical team and family agreed that amputation was the safest course of action.
Florida teen undergoes 17-hour surgery to remove affected limb
The surgical procedure lasted between 16.5 and 17 hours. Surgeons amputated Jasmine’s left leg, which weighed more than 170 pounds. During the same operation, they also removed a tumour from her abdomen.
After surgery, Jasmine’s total body weight was approximately 80 pounds, indicating the extent of excess tissue caused by the condition.
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The surgical procedure lasted between 16.5 and 17 hours. Surgeons amputated Jasmine’s left leg, which weighed more than 170 pounds. During the same operation, they also removed a tumour from her abdomen.
After surgery, Jasmine’s total body weight was approximately 80 pounds, indicating the extent of excess tissue caused by the condition.
Post-surgery recovery
After the operation, Jasmine showed gradual improvement. She has been able to get out of bed with assistance and use a wheelchair during recovery.
Doctors continue to monitor her condition as she begins rehabilitation and healing after the major surgery.
Conclusion
When a Florida teen undergoes 17-hour surgery due to an unexplained overgrowth condition, it highlights the limits of current understanding of rare pediatric disorders. Such cases often require prolonged monitoring, repeated interventions, and difficult clinical decisions.
Jasmine’s case underscores the need for continued research into rare growth conditions and improved diagnostic approaches.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 22 December 2025
- 22:44
