Monday, February 23, 2015

South African Society for Surgery of the Hand Refresher Course

South African Society for Surgery of the Hand arranged their annual refresher course in Johannesburg in the end of February. Topics included this year were:

ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES
CP, STROKE AND BRAIN INJURY TETRAPLEGIA
TENDON TRANSFERS

Invited speakers were Drs Donald Sammut, UK and Jan Fridén, Sweden. Dr Sammut covered the complicated anatomy and biomechanics of the hand in a most fascinating way. Using didactic drawings and animations, the 3-D perspectives and the deformities caused by simulated paralyses became comprehensible. Brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries were taught in step by step assessment/treatment style with the presenters´ personal recommendations. Dr Fridén gave overview lectures about tendon transfer surgery, tetraplegia, brain and peripheral nerve injuries. Prof. Hans Myburgh reported the "South African tetraplegia surgery experience so far and the way forward" and Ms Melanie Skeen presented program for "Rehabilitation of the Tetraplegic Patient. The outcomes demonstrated clear improvements of functions, performance and satisfaction after surgery

Plenty of time was given for discussions at this highly appreciated and well-organized Refresher course.