POGO travel journal: Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

This report describes the travels of three members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) Pediatric Orthopaedic Global Outreach (POGO) Committee to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana in May, 2023. The trip was coordinated in partnership with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO). Daily activities included both clinical involvement and pediatric Orthopaedic education for local trainees. This report also describes relevant aspects of the KATH Orthopedic Department with an emphasis on their pediatric Orthopaedic services. Finally, the authors provide reflections that may be helpful for future visitors to KATH or elsewhere.

Keywords: Ghana; Global outreach; Kumasi; Mission trip; Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery.

Image 1

The POSNA team members giving morning lectures at KATH (R. Carter Clement, MD, MBA; Stephen Adolfsen, MD; and Jeff Peck, MD, respectively).

Image 2

Lateral x-ray of a mangled foot in a child following a traffic accident (A); anteroposterior (AP) X-ray of a child with femoral deficiency (B). Clinical photo and AP x-ray of a child with genu valgum and coxa vara that has previously been treated with numerous operations without any known syndrome or underlying diagnosis (C and D). Locally fabricated low-cost clubfoot brace (E).

Image 3

Local baby being carried in a traditional swathe with a notably “hip healthy” position.

Image 4

POSNA team members eating Fufu (4A and 4B). The POSNA team and members of the KATH Orthopedic Directory share a meal (4C).