The Directorate of Orthopaedic and Trauma at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) is a crucial department that focuses on the treatment of patients with orthopaedic and trauma-related conditions. The department is led by Dr. Anthon Assey, the Director of Orthopaedic and Trauma (DOT), a highly experienced consultant orthopaedic, trauma, and spine surgeon with over twenty years of expertise. The directorate is divided into three main departments, each with its own Department Manager:
1. Dr. Violet Lupondo (MD, M.Med, FCS) Manager Department of Arthrology and Reconstructive Surgery Led
2. Dr. Victoria Julieth Munthali (MD, M.Med, FCS) Manager Department of General Orthopaedic and Trauma
3. Dr Bryson Mcharo (MD, M.Med, FCS) Manager Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics
The directorate is supported by a total of 52 medical doctors, including 36 consultant and specialist orthopaedic surgeons and 16 general medical doctors. In addition to the permanent staff, the department also hosts resident postgraduate medical doctors, volunteer medical doctors, and intern doctors who come for rotations.
CORE FUNCTIONS:
The department serves as the Department of Orthopaedic, Traumatology, and Neurosurgery of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). In this capacity, it plays a significant role in training undergraduate medical students in the field of orthopaedic and Traumatology. Moreover, the department provides specialized training for resident postgraduate students from East and Central Africa, including countries such as South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, and Rwanda. These postgraduate fellows receive mentorship and training in various specialities, including spine surgery, arthroscopic surgery, trauma and reconstructive surgery, and paediatric orthopaedic surgery.
The Directorate is actively involved in research, with postgraduate students conducting research work under the guidance and supervision of selected members of the department. On average, the department releases about 15 research works per year, with many of them being published in reputable journals both locally and internationally.
CAPABILITIES:
The Directorate of Orthopaedic and Trauma is equipped to manage a wide range of orthopaedic and trauma diseases in both adults and children. Its duties are organized as follows:
1. Emergency Department (EMD): The EMD handles patients with emergency conditions 24/7 and is staffed by a team of doctors, including intern doctors, general medical doctors, specialist orthopaedic and trauma surgeons, and a consultant orthopaedic trauma surgeon.
2. Outpatient Department (OPD): The OPD conducts follow-up clinics for patients with non-urgent cases, with specialist doctors conducting individual clinics based on a schedule.
3. Minor Procedures: Simple procedures like wound dressing are carried out in a minor procedure room as per the department’s clinic schedule.
4. Major Surgeries: The department performs about 30-42 major surgeries every day, both scheduled and emergency procedures, in the operating theatre.
5. Inpatient Care: Patients admitted to the wards are treated and cared for by doctors from the respective departments.
RANGE OF MEDICAL SERVICES:
The directorate and its departments offer a comprehensive range of management for various disease conditions in the fields of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal trauma. The scope includes treatment for:
– Congenital musculoskeletal diseases
– Trauma-related conditions like fractures, dislocations, spine trauma, and soft tissue injuries
– Metabolic diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system
– Neoplastic conditions, both benign and malignant tumours of bones, joints, and spine
– Degenerative diseases affecting bones, joints, and the spine
The department utilizes conventional and cutting-edge techniques based on accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment indications. This includes the use of biologically compatible devices for fractures, arthroscopic surgery for major joints, joint replacement for hips and knees, and advanced spine surgeries, among other procedures. Pain management and reconstructive surgeries for severe deformities are also performed using state-of-the-art medical practices and technology.
Overall, the Directorate of Orthopaedic and Trauma at MOI plays a crucial role in providing specialized care for patients with orthopaedic and trauma-related conditions. Its involvement in training, research, and the use of modern medical techniques highlights its commitment to excellence in patient care and medical education.