Haiti: Orthopedic Surgical Program
Second Quarter Orthopedic Surgical Support Program Update
July 30, 2014
Dr. Patrick Dupont
Summary of Activities
RMF continued our Surgical Support Program in Haiti that we had started in 2012, providing complex surgeries and longer term follow up treatment for children and adults suffering from chronic or acquired orthopedic conditions, ranging from congenital deformities to posttraumatic impairments, in many cases caused by the January 2010 earthquake. Over the past two years, generously supported by Child Survival Fund, Real Medicine Foundation has been able to provide specialized orthopedic care and follow up treatment for children and adults who were desperate for treatment of their post-traumatic or congenital ailment, preventing them from thriving or taking care of responsibilities and their families’ needs.

Results &
ACCOMPLISHMENTS

40 people treated
Children and Adults
Provide specialized orthopedic care and follow up treatment for post-traumatic issues or congenital ailment

Children with Blount’s Disease
Lower limb deformity
There were five young children selected who were all affected with a fairly common lower limb deformity known as Blount’s disease, afflicting them with increased weight and specific morphologic features, including moderate to severe progressive medial leg bowing and tibial bone changes.

Dedicated surgical team
and Volunteer surgical advice/expertise
Some of these surgeries were conducted with the help of Dr. Kaye Wilkins, a renowned pediatric orthopedic surgeon from San Antonio, Texas, and longtime collaborator of the Haitian orthopedic surgeon community.

Background
& Objectives
Background
In the aftermath of the January 12, 2010 earthquake, in addition to tackling some of the immediate relief needs, RMF moved forward with a comprehensive long-term strategy for sustainable health services development in Haiti to help rebuild its shattered public health system. Six years have passed since most of Haiti’s infrastructure was devastated, and while much progress has been made in rubble clearing and somewhat in rebuilding efforts, there is still much work to be done. Our new Surgical Support program is providing surgeries and follow-up treatment for children and adults in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Objectives
- To provide free clinical services at Hôpital Lambert Santé Surgical Clinic in Pétion-Ville.
- To provide care for patients with severe conditions and deformities, while focusing on improving their overall health, functionality, and optimizing their chances to thrive as active members of their communities.
- To increase overall access to quality secondary and tertiary care for the entire Haitian population.

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Photos
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More Reports on: Orthopedic Surgical Program Archive
Country Page: Haiti
Initiative Page: Orthopedic Surgical Program