Blount’s Disease Camp 2024
From July 15th to 25th, a team of experts from Germany visited our hospital for their first-ever Blount’s disease camp.
Blount's disease is a growth disorder of the tibia which causes the lower leg to angle inwards. The disease causes the growth plate near the inside of the knee to either slow down or stop making new bone. Meanwhile, the growth plate near the outside of the knee continues to grow normally. The camp featured a dedicated team of specialists from Germany, including two foot surgeons, two anesthesiologists, and three orthopedic nurses who were assisted by our local orthopedic surgeon, physiotherapists, and nurses.
A total of 44 patients were screened and 20 were operated. Additionally, 24 other patients were diagnosed with Rickets, i.e. a softening and weakening of bones in children, caused by vitamin D deficiency. It is treated with Vitamin D and Calcium supplements. The camp was a crucial step in enhancing orthopedic care at our hospital. Admission, operation, and food were provided for free to our patients.
Many thanks to the team leader Dr. Fritjof Schmidt-Hoensdorf and to Pro Interplast Germany, the charity that funded the camp.
