Drills, metal pins and other hardware used to lengthen limbs scattered over tables like so many medieval torture devices this past week at the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel during Sinai Hospital?s 16th Annual Baltimore Limb Deformity Course.
The course attracted more than 200 doctors from 44 countries and 30 states.
Dr. Dror Paley and Dr. John E. Herzenberg of the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics in northwest Baltimore directed the course. Their book, “Principles of Deformity Correction” was called the definitive textbook on limb lengthening by many present.
Dr. William Terrell Jr., of Atlanta, attended the course for the past five years and will be back next year because “it?s just that good.”
The seven-day medical education meeting ? known to participants as “boot camp” ? takes a hands-on learning approachallowing participants to practice deformity correction procedures on artificial bones. The zing of the drills into bones during afternoon sessions drowns out the doctors? energetic discussions, as they stand huddled around their tables.
To correct a limb deformity, an orthopedic surgeon breaks, drills into, or cuts a slice out of a patient?s bone to insert pins or plates attached to frames that allow patients to slowly adjust the position and angle of their bone. In one year, a patient can gain close to five inches in length by slightly turning the pin four times a day.
“Patients with deformity corrections and orthopedic surgeons have a very strong relationship, because patients must visit their doctors at the hospital once a week,” said Dr. Mark Eltringham, of South Africa. “And unlike most operations where the patient starts to get better the moment the surgeon is finished, patients with deformity corrections can get worse before they get better.”
“It is vital to set interim goals that patients can achieve,” said Dr. Gavin Dekiewiet, of England.
At the course, doctors also learn to analyze, plan and practice techniques using software programs, cadavers and X-rays. A live patient demonstration offers participants the opportunity to see first-hand the methods and devices covered in the course.
