By Bigboy Madzivanzira
The AO Alliance recently held a comprehensive course on Non-Operative Fracture Management at Bronte Hotel, drawing a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals.
The course aimed to strengthen knowledge and practical skills in conservative fracture treatment, with a focus on current best practices and evidence-based care.
A total of 54 participants attended, including:
– 35 Medical Doctors
– 8 Orthopedic Surgeons
– 1 Occupational Therapist
– 10 Medical Rehabilitation Technicians
Rehabilitation Technicians came from the following areas: Marondera, Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Bulawayo, and Harare.
The course covered a wide range of topics essential to fracture care, including:
– ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) principles
– X-ray reading and interpretation
– Fracture classification systems and their importance in guiding treatment
– Open and closed fractures: differences, management priorities, and infection risks
– Closed manipulation and reduction techniques (MUA)
– Plaster application and casting methods, including types of casts and their indications
– Non-operative and operative treatment options, with emphasis on when each is appropriate
– Definitive treatment planning and AO fracture philosophy
– Rehabilitation strategies for fracture patients
– Referral patterns and multidisciplinary collaboration
– Mechanism of injury and its implications for fracture patterns
– Perkins calendar for fracture healing timelines
– Waddell triad and its relevance in trauma assessment
– SCIWORA (Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality) and its challenges in diagnosis
– Challenges of orthopaedic pain management
– Petrels Strain Theory and its role in understanding bone healing
– Primary and secondary healing processes, including factors affecting wound healing
– Complications of fractures, such as malunion, nonunion, infection, and stiffness
Participants were taken through both theoretical sessions and hands-on practical training, which comprised six hours of practicals, ensuring they could apply their knowledge effectively in clinical settings.
One of the participants, Sandra Nyatsvimbo, shared her experience:
“The course equipped me with valuable skills in fracture management, which I will share with my colleagues. For example, gallows traction is no longer recommended for children skin traction is the better option. I strongly encourage those who haven’t attended this course to do so in July.”
The course was well-received, with attendees expressing increased confidence in managing fractures conservatively and appreciating the opportunity to learn from experts and peers across disciplines.
Beyond the immediate impact of the training, there is a growing call to expand access to rehabilitation services across Zimbabwe. As a journalist and Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner, I see the need to improve coverage of Medical Rehabilitation Technicians in all district hospitals. To achieve this, each district hospital should send at least one Medical Rehabilitation Technician for specialized training. This step will help bridge service gaps, enhance patient outcomes, and build a stronger, more inclusive healthcare system nationwide.
Over and above all, medical ethics were discussed, reminding participants of the importance of patient-centered care, informed consent, and professional responsibility in orthopaedic practice.
About the Author
Bigboy Madzivanzira is a journalist and certified Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner passionate about improving healthcare access and rehabilitation services across Zimbabwe. He writes on health systems strengthening, disability inclusion, and workforce development.
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