Presentation, Management, and Outcomes of Thoracic, Thoracolumbar, and Lumbar Spine Trauma in East Africa: A Cohort Study.

Background: Trauma to the thoracic, thoracolumbar (TL), and lumbar spine is common and can cause disability and neurological deficits. Using a cohort of patients suffering from thoracic, TL, and lumbar spine trauma in a tertiary hospital in East Africa, the current study sought to: (1) describe demographics and operative treatment patterns, (2) assess neurologic outcomes, and (3) report predictors associated with undergoing surgery, neurologic improvement, and mortality.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patient records from September 2016 to December 2020 was conducted at a prominent East Africa referral center.

Feasibility of High-Fidelity Simulator Models for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in a Resource-Limited Setting: Experience From East Africa.

Background: Spine surgery is a rapidly evolving specialty with a continuous need to learn new skills. In resource-limited settings such as Africa, the need for training is greater. The use of simulation-based training is important in different stages of skill acquisition, especially for high-stake procedures such as spine surgery.

Evaluating the Feasibility and Outcomes of a Scoliosis Surgical Camp in a Resource-Limited Setting in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, the estimated prevalence of scoliosis ranges from 3.3% to 5.5%.

The effect of the Dar es Salaam neurosurgery training course on self-reported neurosurgical knowledge and confidence.

Introduction: The Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine organises an annual neurosurgery training course in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The course teaches theory and practical skills in neurotrauma, neurosurgery, and neurointensive care to attendees from across Tanzania and East Africa. This is the only neurosurgical course in Tanzania, where there are few neurosurgeons and limited access to neurosurgical care and equipment.