The management of spine pathology in Papua New Guinea.
This paper outlines the principles of the management of different spinal diseases. In Port Moresby General Hospital between 2004 and 2006 there were 41 spinal injuries, 36 cases of spinal tuberculosis (8 of whom were operated on), 3 non-tuberculous infections and 11 degenerative conditions. The incidence of spinal dysraphism is low in Papua New Guinea with only 5 cases recorded in Port Moresby over the 3-year period. Identification and assessment of spinal pathology were sometimes limited by a lack of radiological investigation and often the resources were not available for optimal treatment. 8 cases with myelopathy had no definitive diagnosis made.
Neurosurgical Unit, Department of Surgery, Port Moresby General Hospital, Free Mail Bag, Boroko, NCD 111, Papua New Guinea.
W Matui
WM
Kaptigau
Perista
P
Mamadi
Ikau
I
Kevau
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D010219:Papua New Guinea; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000628:therapy; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000628:therapy; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000175:diagnosis; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D014399:Tuberculosis, Spinal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy