Surgeon volunteers may not realize the difficulties associated with a disaster environment and can face issues such as lack of water, electricity, transportation, food, infrastructure and communication, said Matthew T. Provencher, MD, in the report.
Orthopedic surgeons should be prepared, resourceful and flexible when meeting the challenges of practicing in these areas. Roman Hayda, MD, stressed the importance of these qualities because the disaster area is often in chaos. Also, surgeons should receive necessary immunizations before traveling overseas. When they are there, surgeons should seek a translator or get an electronic translator to seek informed consent from patients.
For equipment options, sometimes a hand-carried, mountable ultrasound may be better than an X-ray because they are more portable and run longer than other radiographic equipment, Dr. Hayda said in the report. External fixation devices are also useful because they provide immediate care and can be applied without fluoroscopy or radiographs. Sometimes, the best methods of treatment, such as traction, are the best way to treat these patients because the appropriate screws, nails and pins may not be available. Surgeons should bring plenty of topical skin adhesive and absorbable sutures along.
Read the AAOS news release on disaster relief for orthopedic surgeons.
Read other coverage on disaster relief:
– 6 Steps for Performing Orthopedic Surgery to Underserved Populations Abroad from Operation Walk Founder D. Lawrence Dorr
– Operation Straight Spine Provides Spine Care to Needy Patients in the Third World
