Challenges in Spinal Care in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Abstract

Spinal conditions are commonplace in the developing world, and Sub-saharan Africa (SSA) is no exception. Traumatic conditions of the spine occur regularly, and when they do, they usually demand a level of urgency in diagnosis and treatment, not to mention skill on the part of the treating doctors. Tuberculosis of the spine as well as tumours and degenerative conditions are also big players in this arena. Spine care is complicated by fact that spine instrumentation is technology and cost intensive, which does not sit well with many third world countries. All these factors taken together create a hostile environment which leads to outcomes far from ideal for the spinal patient. OBJECTIVES: To describe the presentation and management of four patients from SSA countries presenting with spinal problems whose management illustrates some of the problems referenced above. METHODS: Discussion of four cases and review of the literature.