In a groundbreaking medical initiative, Ugandan surgeons collaborated with counterparts from the United States of America to replace damaged knees and reconstruct joints for 35 patients battling rheumatic arthritis.
This development comes as a ray of hope for individuals enduring the agony of this debilitating condition, which has left many incapacitated due to the lack of specialized treatment options in Uganda.
Years ago, the scarcity of expertise in treating musculoskeletal conditions was glaring, with only one specialist available at Mulago National Referral Hospital to address such cases.
However, on Thursday, a team of dedicated surgeons undertook knee arthroscopy procedures, a technique that allows for knee joint replacement without extensive incisions, providing relief to patients who have long suffered from chronic joint inflammation.
Dr. Alex Bangirana, an Orthopedic Consultant at Mulago Hospital, emphasized the significance of surgical intervention in alleviating the symptoms of rheumatic arthritis, stressing that this service remains largely unavailable in both public and private healthcare facilities across the country. Many Ugandans, unable to access treatment locally, have resorted to seeking medical care abroad in countries like India, South Africa, and the United States of America.
Among the beneficiaries of these life-changing surgeries is Namukasa Dorothy, 58, a resident of Namugongo, who previously relied on painkillers to cope with her condition due to financial constraints. Lydia Kankunda from Kisaasi, another beneficiary, shared her struggle with arthritis, attributing it to her body weight and enduring years of pain.
Dr. Bangirana expressed gratitude for the support received from partners in the United States of America and Kenya, which enabled the successful completion of nine arthroscopic surgeries and 26 total knee replacement procedures. The generous donation of 26 knee implants significantly eased the financial burden for patients, as each implant typically costs approximately 8 million shillings or $1700.
Highlighting the prevalence of rheumatic arthritis in Uganda, Dr. Bangirana shed light on the condition’s causes, emphasizing age and obesity as significant risk factors. He underscored the debilitating nature of arthritis, which not only affects the joints but can also lead to deformities and impact various organs in the body.
Rheumatic arthritis, characterized by fever, muscle pain, and joint inflammation, affects an estimated 300,000 Ugandans. Globally, musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, affect over 1.71 billion people, necessitating urgent interventions to address the growing burden of this disease.
As the medical community continues to strive for innovative solutions to combat rheumatic arthritis and improve access to specialized care, collaborative efforts between local and international partners offer renewed hope for individuals grappling with this challenging condition.