Orthopedic Hardware Project: 2020 Annual Report

Photo: James Perkins

The IMF orthopedic hardware project is nearing four years. We have seen a progression in the number of hospitals helped and complexity of assistance.

To recap

  • In 2017, we began with the “4.5 mm cortical screw project.”  60,000 screws were contract manufactured in Taiwan and finished, cleaned, and packaged in Sheboygan, WI and shipped to hospitals. Most shipped in 2018.

  • In 2019, we began a contract manufacturing association with Surgivalley, a Pakistani medical hardware manufacturer. We branched out into producing supplies for acute orthopedic trauma: in addition to screws, we produced plates, wires, some rods, and on occasion drills and drapes for drills. In 2019, supplies were shipped to WI from the manufacturer, and I forwarded them to individuals and organizations that might be supplying those sub-Saharan hospitals. We primarily worked with mission hospitals operated by the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons. We shipped 36 boxes in 2019.

  • In 2020, we began shipping directly to hospitals in Africa, mainly via FedEx or DHL. It was a rocky start because of the switch over in shipping plans and wasn’t helped by Covid-19. The contents of the 25-lb boxes of supplies got a little more complex. We added more rods, some different types of stiff wires and a simpler External Fixator (used for open fracture management, designed by myself and the Surgivalley Engineers based on an existing AO fixator but redesigned to keep manufacturing costs down). Five of these sets were delivered to each hospital. In addition, we added some tools—screwdrivers, bits and a surgical tool called a femoral distractor to operatively treat malunions of bones. In 2020, we delivered 40-41 boxes. 

Moving Forward

The contract with Surgivalley in 2020 produced a total of 120 boxes of supplies, leaving 80 boxes still to be distributed in 2021. These supplies are paid for and shipping is mostly paid for ($10,000 credit) but because of Covid-19, rates jumped and so a final accounting is not in yet and total will probably need to be adjusted. 

In 2021, we will ship a second box to those hospitals that we have dealt with before (if in need of supplies). That will be close to 40 boxes total. In addition, I am looking for other missionary hospitals in need where we can donate the remaining 40 boxes. Countries served so far have been Kenya, Cameroon, Tanzania, Madagascar, Malawi, Zambia, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and, last but not least, Burundi.

Beyond 2021, I hope to customize donations a bit and do a better job of individualizing donations based on volume, case mix and need. I would like to start individualizing and expand types of items donated based on need, practice patterns, volume, etc. “ One size fits all” is a good start, but tailoring makes better use of dollars and less waste. I plan to do this with a website operating on a Shopify-type platform, issuing a credit to each individual surgeon/hospital and letting them make their own choices to fit their surgical needs. 

It has been a pleasure to be involved with this project to utilize my skills in helping in areas that I know best.  Thanks for the opportunity to serve God in a very satisfying project!

—Steve

What We’ve Done

25-lb boxes of supplies shipped or en route to countries, hospitals and surgeons in the past six months. In total, we have shipped (or have en route) 59 boxes in the past six months. In June ‘21, we will ship 8 boxes to CURE International. 

  • Burundi (2)*

  • Cameroon (10)*

  • Democratic Republic of Congo (3)

  • Gabon (2)*

  • Ghana (2)

  • Guinea (1)

  • Liberia (5)

  • Sierra Leone (1)

  • Kenya

    • Western Group (7)*

    • Northern Group (4)*

  • Madagascar (4)

  • Malawi (6)*

  • Niger (2)*

  • Nigeria (1)

  • Rwanda (3)

  • Tanzania (3)*

  • Zambia (2)

  • Zimbabwe (1)

*Includes PAACS Training Center