Fracture management courses delivered in Malawi and Zimbabwe

The AO Alliance recently delivered four educational courses in Malawi and Zimbabwe, supporting healthcare workers involved in the management of musculoskeletal injuries.

In Lilongwe, Malawi, the Basic Principles of Fracture Management for Operating Room Personnel course was held from 28–30 April and attended by 43 participants. The course focused on peri-operative patient care, the preparation and use of instruments and implants, the management of potential intra-operative complications, and the maintenance of safe standards of practice. The course was chaired by Forcina Mdala and Boston Munthali. This was followed by the Basic Principles of Fracture Management course from 1–3 May, pictured above, attended by 17 trainee surgeons and chaired by MsPherson Mahala and Vincent Mkochi. Topics included the biology and biomechanics of bone healing, the AO/OTA Fracture and Dislocation Classification, AO principles of fracture management, reduction techniques, and the management of nonunions.

The same courses were subsequently conducted in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The Basic Principles of Fracture Management for Operating Room Personnel course took place from 26–28 May under the leadership of Adolf Macheka and Isabel Thebe. The Basic Principles of Fracture Management course followed from 29–31 May and was chaired by Malvern Nyamutora and Prudence Mushayavanhu. A total of 75 participants attended the two courses in Zimbabwe.