The dream of playing football still lives on for Phu Thinh.

Tran Kim Phu Thinh, a player for the Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport (UTH) team, was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon (January 19) after successfully undergoing clavicle surgery at Nam Saigon International General Hospital.

TIMELY TREATMENT

Phu Thinh suffered an injury on the Tao Dan stadium field on the afternoon of January 16th, during a match against the Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry team. "It was a situation where I was eager to get the ball, and while blocking a shot from the opposing team, I accidentally collided with a player. They fell and landed on top of me. When I first lay down, I felt numbness, but nothing else. The medical team arrived, checked me, and immediately moved me to an ambulance to take me to the hospital. When I saw my shoulder swelling up, I guessed I might have broken a bone," Phu Thinh recounted. His anxiety increased when he was hospitalized and learned he needed surgery. "I was afraid my mother would worry, and the surgery costs would be a burden on her. I was also worried about my health being affected, afraid that I might not be able to play sports again," the player recalled.

After assessing the situation, the leadership of Nam Saigon International General Hospital decided to cover all examination, surgery, and treatment costs for Phu Thinh, while also providing the best possible care for the football player. This helped alleviate Phu Thinh and his mother's worries. "I am truly grateful to all the doctors and medical staff at the hospital who were always dedicated, gentle, professional, and provided 24/7 care, helping me recover quickly from my injury and be discharged from the hospital," Phu Thinh said.

Dr. Vo Van Man, Specialist II, Head of the Orthopedics Department, Nam Saigon International General Hospital

Photo: Thuy Hang

Representatives of the THACO Cup 2026 Organizing Committee visited Phu Thinh at Nam Saigon International General Hospital.

PHOTO: THI HA

The doctor examined Phu Thinh on the afternoon of January 19th and gave the student instructions for his home training.

PHOTO: THUY HANG

Dr. Vo Van Man, Head of the Orthopedic Trauma Department at Nam Saigon International General Hospital, said that Phu Thinh was admitted with a shoulder injury, experiencing significant pain and difficulty moving his arm. After examination and MRI, it was discovered that the player had fractured his clavicle, an injury that occurs when an athlete falls and puts pressure on their shoulder. The clavicle connects the chest to the shoulder, so a fracture causes severe pain. Dr. Man explained that there are usually two treatment methods for clavicle fractures. One is conservative treatment, involving immobilization of the shoulder with medication, which is indicated for fractures with minimal displacement and when the patient is not healthy enough for surgery. The second method is surgery, opening the shoulder area, realigning the fractured bone, and fixing it with plates and screws. "Previously, people often used pins inserted into the clavicle – the disadvantage was that the pins often slipped out, and it took a long time for patients to return to normal activities. But with current medical technology, they use locking screws and plates, which is easier to stabilize, and the patient can walk and do light tasks the very next day," Dr. Man said, adding that this is also the surgical option for the male football player.

The on-field medical team immediately arrived on the field when player Phu Thinh was injured, provided first aid, and transported him to Nam Saigon International General Hospital.

Photo: Nhat Thinh

"Phú Thịnh suffered a two-level fracture, with his clavicle broken into three pieces. If the muscles attached to the bone weren't protected during surgery, the chances of proper bone healing would be lower. Knowing Thịnh is an athlete, I ensured maximum muscle preservation during the surgery, allowing the bone to receive blood supply, thus increasing the chances of better bone healing," Dr. Mẫn emphasized. Upon discharge, Phú Thịnh will need to wear a sling for three weeks, during which time he should do light physical exercises for his arm, avoiding premature movement to prevent overloading the bone.

I HOPE TO RETURN TO THE FIELD SOON

Phu Thinh is currently a third-year student majoring in Automotive Engineering at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport. He has finished his first semester exams and has asked his professors for permission to return home for a rest. He will return to university after the Lunar New Year. While home, the footballer will also follow light exercises and rehabilitation programs. "I look forward to the day I fully recover and can return to the sports I love," Phu Thinh said.

On the afternoon of January 19th, welcoming her son home from the hospital, Ms. Hoang Thi My was deeply moved and expressed her gratitude to the leadership of Nam Saigon International General Hospital and the team of doctors and nurses who had provided dedicated treatment and care for Phu Thinh during the past few days. She also thanked the organizers of the THACO Cup 2026, and the teachers of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport for their visits, gifts, and encouragement to Phu Thinh, helping him recover quickly. Phu Thinh is from Binh Thuan (now part of Lam Dong province), the youngest child in his family, with three older sisters. His father has been unable to work for nine years; his mother works in agriculture, her daily life closely tied to rubber trees…

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/giac-mo-san-co-van-con-voi-phu-thinh-185260119222720619.htm