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Plane Crash Survivor Rebuilds Life After Severe Facial and Arm Injuries
05/15/2026
Plane Crash Survivor Rebuilds Life After Severe Facial and Arm Injuries
After a devastating plane crash, 29-year-old Michael Ribordy was left with severe injuries, including multiple open fractures in his right arm, facial fractures, a broken jaw, an orbital floor fracture and a broken foot. He was transferred to The University of Kansas Health System, the only Level 1 trauma center in the state, where a specialized team of surgeons worked to help put him back together. In this episode of The Morning Medical Update, Michael shares his recovery journey after the crash and what it took to heal from complex trauma. His care team explains how doctors treat severe facial injuries, open arm fractures, jaw fractures and trauma affecting multiple parts of the body. The conversation also covers trauma surgery, orthopedic hand surgery, craniomaxillofacial surgery, bone healing, recovery after a high-impact accident, and what it may take for Michael to fly again.
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