Orthopedic Surgery
Medical Specialties
Tenwek Hospital has for decades taken care of a high volume of orthopedic surgical patients. In the early years, general surgeons performed the majority of the procedures with an occasional visiting orthopedist helping out and bringing implants and equipment. The last decade has seen significant growth in the Orthopedic Department.
In 2013, the first Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) orthopedic residency program started at Tenwek to train East African physicians to be capable, compassionate, and missions-minded orthopedic surgeons.
Trauma patients make up the majority of orthopedic admissions to Tenwek Hospital. There also are many patients with musculoskeletal infections and tumors. Participation in sports is becoming more common in Kenya and arthroscopic procedures are increasing in number. Hand and wrist trauma from panga (machete) altercations are common and visiting staff with upper extremity expertise are very welcome. Congenital and acquired deformities are common and frequently reconstructed. Post-infectious and degenerative arthritis has always been prevalent in the patient population but now adult reconstructive procedures are performed weekly. Spine procedures are performed in coordination with the neurosurgeons.
Daily Responsibilities of a Visiting Orthopedist
Visiting orthopedic surgeons or residents have as their “main job” to represent the Lord Jesus Christ as His ambassador to all those they come in contact with. The Tenwek motto, We Treat, Jesus Heals is lived out each day in the orthopedic surgery department. Many visiting orthopedic surgeons might anticipate that their main goal is to operate as much as possible. While many patients would no doubt benefit from the visitor’s surgical talents, the bigger goal is teaching the Tenwek orthopedic residents the clinical and surgical skills that would equip them for a lifetime of service and witness to thousands of patients. Visiting staff mentoring residents in orthopedic training and in their relationship with Jesus is vitally important to the mission of the hospital.
Rounds usually begin at 7:00 am and surgery starts about 9:00. Three or four cases are done in each room each day. There is ample time between cases to take breaks for chai tea, lunch, or preparing for and discussing the next case with the other consultants and residents. Visiting consultants are not required to learn the online medical record system, as entries are made by the residents. X-rays can be viewed conveniently online.
The day usually ends at about 5:30 pm. Call is usually every third night and it is backup for a senior and junior resident. The visiting consultant may get a call or two at night but it is unusual to operate. The residents are capable of washing out open fractures and placing external fixation devices without the consultant present.
There is Ortho Clinic daily with approximately 80 patients seen. The visitors are encouraged to take their turn in clinic, supervising a team of a resident, intern, clinical officers, and physical therapists. Usually a visiting orthopedist will go from room-to-room and answer questions.
Visitors also are able to involve themselves in areas outside of medicine and spouses can find numerous opportunities for meaningful service. Showing hospitality to other visitors, long-term missionaries, and Kenyan acquaintances provides encouragement and adds to the short-term missions experience. There are numerous churches in the area that welcome visitors and give the occasion to develop fast friendships with those in the community. The Tenwek countryside is beautiful and there are many dirt roads and paths to explore. Something is always happening around Tenwek. One needs only show up to be blessed in some way. Spouses are welcome and usually have no trouble serving and keeping busy in new and exciting ways.
Equipment
The operating theater at Tenwek Hospital is equipped with two rooms dedicated to orthopedic procedures daily. Anesthesia is provided by competent nurse anesthetists under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. Two C-arms are primarily utilized by orthopedic surgeons. Additionally, a fracture table and a Universal lateral positioner for total hip replacements are available. Implants are sourced from the United States, as well as Indian and Pakistani companies. The Sign intermedullary nail has proven to be a valuable tool for stabilizing long bone fractures. Mini fragment, small fragment, large fragment, and periarticular locking plates and equipment for arthroscopic procedures are also available. Recently, the Tenwek orthopedic department has adopted the WorldHip and WorldKnee systems, which will revolutionize the provision of affordable total joint replacements with high-quality implants.
Visit Tenwek Hospital
Learn more about visiting us and the Hospital