US Orthopedic Surgeons Perform Successful Knee Surgeries During Mission To Cameroon

 Dr Fokam Pius, Orthopedic Surgeon, Douala General Hospital

By Fozoa Vaniela 

A team of experienced Orthopedic Surgeons and technicians from the USA recently concluded a health mission to Cameroon. The team was in Douala from August 13th to 17th, 2024, where they performed surgeries and guided local physicians in knee replacement procedures, introducing cutting-edge technology to address the high demand for knee surgery in the region.

According to Dr Fokam Pius, an Orthopedic Surgeon at the Douala General Hospital, the campaign was out to ease the burden on those suffering from knee related illnesses. 

“We have discovered a lot of patients suffer from knee related diseases. This campaign comes as a means to alleviate the suffering of Cameroonians. It entails replacing the knee and giving it a new look. This surgery is aimed at alleviating knee related pain by resurfacing the knee cap and putting the knee in order, "

explained Dr Fokam.

During their stay, the team treated about 19 patients, including Abu Chick, who said,

 "I came into this hospital with serious pain on my knees which has been troubling me since 2017. I could not believe my knee could come back to it's normal shape. It was like a miracle to me.

This other patient explains how she was able to come in contact with the US team and how it all went:

"Initially, I consulted rheumatologists at the General Hospital. Later, my rheumatologist referred me to Professor Fokam’s surgical team for an upcoming medical mission. At that point, I was experiencing debilitating pain and limited mobility, unable to stand straight. However, just one day after surgery, I noticed a remarkable improvement. I was standing upright, something I couldn't do for seven years. And to my surprise, I was able to walk the very next day."

Another patient narrates her ordeal with knee related issues:

"I’ve been living with this knee problem for 8 years without medication. But since coming to Douala, I received treatment and underwent surgery. I’m now pain-free and feeling wonderful. Thank you, Doctor Fokam."

According to Dr. Gregory Stocks, one of the Orthopedic Surgeons from the USA, the technology they introduced to the Douala General Hospital is also used in the USA.

 "The technology we are bringing to the Douala General Hospital is a new replacement; I use the same for my patients in the USA. It's going to be a long-term relationship,"

said Dr. Stocks.

The hospital's director, Professor Henry Luma, emphasized the significance of the mission in addressing the need for specialized Orthopedic Care in Cameroon.

 "This is a very important mission for the Douala General Hospital. One of our missions is to provide specialist healthcare for our population, and in doing that, we would be able to reduce evacuations abroad,"

 said Dr. Luma.

He added,

"We are doing total knee replacement surgery. Most people prefer to have it in Europe, India, or South Africa. With this mission, we have seen that we are able to do it at the Douala General Hospital."

Dr. Luma further explained that they are providing a service that would be long lasting, with the team from the United States. He expressed optimism that total knee replacements would be regularly performed at the Douala General Hospital, using quality implants like those used in the US.

"With our collaboration with the team from the US, we should be able to get quality prosthesis (artificial knees) at a lower price. It is our duty to take care of patients. In this first session, what we wanted to do is start doing knee replacement surgeries, and once confident, we'll be able to make it. Our aim is not for profit but for the Cameroon patients to receive care without necessarily going abroad,"

 said Dr. Luma.

It was also revealed that the US team's expertise will continue to support local practitioners through recurring Zoom meetings, ensuring sustained access to specialized care.