The Hip Module started off on Saturday 8th March with similar structure of basics in history taking and Hip Examination on the first day. The morning started off with a handover of local team admissions and we continued to our 2 bed rounds split into 2 groups. Each group is led by a lecturer. The topics covered include hip fractures and pelvis Fractures and variety of management options.
The goals of getting early surgery for neck of femur fractures (NOFs) were stressed and the need for other teams involvement, like our anaesthetists and physicians colleagues. A literature bank was created to contribute articles that will help other teams understand approach to NOFs management. Other conditions of the hip including paediatric conditions were covered and infections of the hip.
A variety of surgical approaches to the hip and acetabulum were covered. Practical stations held mostly in the afternoon and includes clinical stations of history taking and physical hip examination, cannulated hip screw, Dynamic Hip Screws(DHS) fixation, concepts/principles of Hip replacement. (see attached timetable). The module ended on Friday 14th and students and teachers leaving the next days.
We would like to thank the funders of the modules, South Pacific Projects, AO Alliance, Orthopacifix, Various individual students sponsor Like WHO and Australias DFAT, the lecturers that came to teach out of their own costs.
We acknowledge Dr Patrick Houasia Head of department and the local Orthopaedic team, the National Referral Hospital and Ministry of Health Solomon Islands for hosting the modules and allowing us access to facilities and patients. We Thank The NRH kitchen for providing us meals and for Pacific Casino Hotel, Millys and Rekona lodge for accommodating our students and Lecturers. We Thank Des Soares for organizing the modules, preparing equipment, the logistics to get all of us to Honiara and ensuring the modules go as planned.
Tagio Tumas
Stephen Kodovaru