Injured Highway Worker Faces 10th Surgery to Repair Leg

In June 2009, highway traffic safety worker Dwayne Brazil was at work on the Dan Ryan Expressway when a he was hit by a SUV. The violent collision sent him 20 feet into the air, causing serious injuries to his leg and neck.

After several surgeries Dwayne is now able to walk with the aid of crutches, but he is hopeful that at some point his leg will grow strong enough so that he can walk unaided. The next step of his recovery is scheduled this week: Dwayne will undergo the 10th surgery on his leg. The procedure will be performed by MOR orthopaedic trauma surgeon Dr. Walter Virkus.

"The priority right now is the two inch hole in the shin bone," said Dr. Virkus. "We'll fill that with bone from his pelvis and that will heal to each side of his bone and make the bone solid."

In a WGN report by Angie Leventis Lourgos and Pat Curry, Dr. Virkus describes Mr. Brazil's leg injury and prognosis for his recovery.

To view the full report, click on the link below.

View Full WGN Story