Spine surgery in Nepal: the 2015 earthquake
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, USA.
Journal of Spine Surgery (Hong Kong)
|September 30, 2016
Summary
The 2015 Nepal earthquake caused widespread devastation and numerous traumatic spine injuries. Spinal Health International (SHI) provided critical assistance to injured patients and supported local spine surgeons.
Area of Science:
- Geology and Seismology
- Public Health and Disaster Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, with significant aftershocks, including a 7.3 magnitude event on May 12, 2015.
- The seismic events caused extensive destruction in the Kathmandu valley and remote Himalayan regions, leading to a high number of casualties.
- Traumatic injuries, including severe spinal trauma, were prevalent among the affected population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the response of Spinal Health International (SHI) to the Nepal earthquake.
- To highlight the challenges and experiences of managing traumatic spine injuries in a disaster setting.
- To present past and current experiences of SHI in Nepal concerning earthquake-related spinal injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of SHI's involvement in Nepal following the 2015 earthquakes.
- Collaboration with Nepali spine surgeons to provide medical assistance to victims.
- On-site presence of SHI volunteers during and after the major seismic events.
Main Results:
- The earthquakes resulted in over 8,600 deaths and 20,000 injuries, with a significant proportion involving spinal trauma.
- SHI volunteers provided crucial support to Nepali spine surgeons in managing a large influx of patients with traumatic spine injuries.
- SHI's ongoing engagement in Nepal facilitated a timely response to the medical needs arising from the disaster.
Conclusions:
- The 2015 Nepal earthquakes underscored the critical need for specialized medical support, particularly in managing complex traumatic spine injuries during major disasters.
- Effective collaboration between international volunteer organizations like SHI and local medical professionals is vital for successful disaster response and patient care.
- Continued efforts and preparedness are essential to address the long-term health consequences of such catastrophic events on spinal health in affected regions.
