Orthopaedic cases:
Sources: We are treating injuries from the January 12 earthquake. The patients have been injured in outlying districts and have been coming here by whatever way they can. The more mobile have even come in over our fence bypassing the gate.
Types: Fractures of all bones. Spine fractures have been sent out. We have used external fixation and amputation mainly. We are going to start femoral rodding with the Sign nail this evening. We have plates and screws. Many of the patients are, of course, already infected. Limb salvage has been impossible in some cases where it may have been possible if the patient had been treated earlier.
Future volunteers: Orthopaedic surgeons and the people who work with them will of course bee needed for months. The need for Plastic Surgeons will go up in the coming weeks. Then we will need prosthetists and orthotists. Physical and Occupational therapists will be helpful in both the early and late phases of the recovery of Haiti.