Vietnamese Football Player Đỗ Duy Mạnh Focuses on Return to Competition After Knee Procedure

Traveling over 8,000 miles to get care, professional Vietnamese football player Đỗ Duy Mạnh wanted to give something to his doctor to remember him by.

"I gave him a jersey from my club in Vietnam as a memento and to express my gratitude towards him. I wanted him to know he was the one who helped me get back on track," says Đỗ, a centre-back for Hà Nội FC, a professional football club based in Hanoi, Vietnam.

"When he gave me the jersey, it warmed my heart. It’s a gesture I’ll never forget, and the personal connection we were able to make during his care is really moving to me," says Đỗ's orthopaedic surgeon Paul Saluan, MD.

When he first started having trouble with his knee, Đỗ didn't expect he would ultimately come all the way to Cleveland, Ohio, for care. But a connection between his hospital in Vietnam and Cleveland Clinic made this possible.

"My care team in Vietnam told me about how Cleveland Clinic's facilities and doctors are very good for this type of injury, and that's what convinced me to come here," says the 30-year-old football player.

Đỗ’s hospital in Vietnam, Vinmec Central Park International Hospital, is a member of Cleveland Clinic Connected, which is a collaboration that enables hospitals and healthcare organizations around the world to connect with Cleveland Clinic’s clinical and operational experts to enhance patient care, quality and safety.

After reviewing Đỗ's medical records, Dr. Saluan determined Đỗ had sustained a cartilage and bone injury in his knee. To help restore the damaged area, Dr. Saluan performed an osteochondral allograft transplantation procedure, using healthy donor bone and cartilage to replace the injured tissue. This approach restores the joint surface while preserving the knee's natural anatomy and function. A biologic reconstruction of the joint.

"Using healthy donor tissue instead of metal implants allows the knee to function more naturally, which is especially important for athletic performance," says Dr. Saluan. "The goal is to help athletes regain strength, mobility and confidence in their knee, while supporting a safe return to competition."

Dr. Saluan reports the procedure went well, and Đỗ has demonstrated excellent progress with his early rehabilitation and range of motion.

"Treating these injuries is truly a team effort," says Dr. Saluan. "A successful outcome depends not only on the surgery itself, but also on the patient's commitment to rehabilitation. Đỗ has been highly motivated throughout the recovery process, and that dedication will serve him well as he works toward returning to play."

"I'm following the doctor's plan and will do any exercises I'm given so I can get back to playing," says Đỗ, who's been playing football since grade school.

Đỗ will continue his care at his local hospital in Vietnam affiliated with Cleveland Clinic. Looking back, Đỗ says he's faced many challenges in his career, and this is just another obstacle he and Dr. Saluan are confident he will overcome.

"Coming from so far away, I'm really grateful to the doctors and nurses here who have welcomed me and taken very good care of me. Injuries like this are very difficult for athletes, but thanks to their diligent care, I'm feeling better each day," says Đỗ.