Treating natural disaster victims is dealing with shortages: An orthopaedics perspective

Abstract

During natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis, most of the casualties are known to suffer from musculoskeletal injuries. This leads to an enormous need of orthopaedic (surgical) implants such as osteosynthesis plates, which are difficult to provide in developing countries that rely on imported ones. One of the alternatives is utilization of local resources, but only after they have been proven safe to use, and meet the international standards set. Through this paper we would like to urge the international community to include locally produced biomedical products, like osteosynthesis plates in their scientific evaluations and communications. When the quality of local products is proven, the reluctance to use local products also by surgeons from developing countries will disappear and larger scale production can be initiated. This in its turn solves many problems that come after natural disasters and stimulates the national economy in an efficient and effective way.

Are orthopaedic surgeons prepared? An analysis of severe casualties from the 2021 flash flood and mudslide disaster in Germany

“…Such closures can lead to higher concentrations in larger, more distant hospitals. For instance, Burger and Canton described numerous effects after Hurricane Katrina that led to a loss of power and air conditioning in an orthopaedic hospital [ 15 ]. The supply of fresh water stopped completely, resulting in the loss of all sanitation abilities.…”

The Needs of Children in Natural or Manmade Disasters

“…The majority of injuries requiring early treatment will be orthopedic and hence there is a major need for orthopedic devices which may be short supply, particularly in the countries affected [73]. This was also expressed by Laverick et al with regard to their experience following the Pakistani earthquake [12].…”

Systemic barriers and enablers in humanitarian technology transfer

“…In fact, it is easier to donate equipment. In addition, and regarding the approach of reducing barriers to research and development, there are successful initiatives that emerged within countries where healthcare quality is substandard (Dewo, Magetsari, Busscher, van Horn, & Verkerke, 2008;Jarosławski & Saberwal, 2013). However, they mostly do not have enough manufacturing or organizational capacity to address the requirements of humanitarian emergency response.…”

“…Indonesia is one example of a country that is frequently confronted with the problems related to natural disasters, as well as to traffic injuries and other events of lesser magnitude (Dewo et al, 2008). The intensification of traffic has generated a tremendous increase in severe road traffic accidents.…”

“…Design for Care: Transforming care for the 21st century. London, United Magetsari, R.,Busscher, H. J., van Horn, J. R., & Verkerke, G. J. (2008).…”