Different approaches to improve the healthcare in Africa through biomedical engineering

My thesis work has been developed in African Biomedical Engineering Consortium (ABEC) framework and in particular during the development phase of UBORA project that has been financed by European Union. Highlighted the major issues relating to the conditions of medical devices in Africa, the thesis's goal is going to analyze four different approaches to address these issues with the goal of improving health through biomedical engineering. The first approach is focused on the development of an affordable and sustainable system for the regulation of medical devices in African Biomedical Engineering Consortium (ABEC) partner countries to establish a sustainable healthcare system. The second one describes the advantages of Open Source Medical Devices considering their accessibility, sustainability and lower costs. In support of this approach two examples are evaluated. The third approach is addressed to the development of human capital through a direct experience in Africa with the goal to help provide for the sustainable maintenance of medical equipment through the provision of training programs for the recipients, including test equipment and workshop facilities. The last approach analyze the condition of donated medical equipments through direct experience in Africa hospitals. To understand the real needs and personal opinions about the situation of medical device in Africa the author of thesis collected surveys, in particular during the period in Ethiopia and Uganda, which results are evaluated during thesis

Shoulder fusion for paralyzed upper limb

Fusion of the shoulder joint after a brachial plexus injury is a well known procedure in cases of flail shoulder in combination with normal motor and sensory function in the hand. However, in combination with modern orthoses to stabilize the elbow, fusion of the shoulder in cases of a totally flaccid and afunctional arm might be more beneficial. In a retrospective study the impact of shoulder fusion on daily abilities in a population with a completely flaccid arm caused by a brachial plexus injury was investigated. Compared with a similar population, consisting of 16 patients with an afunctional unstable shoulder, all 12 patients who underwent shoulder fusion proved to perform at a higher functional level. Shoulder fusion in combination with an elbow stabilizing orthosis for a completely flaccid upper limb is a beneficial procedure that leads to less disability and results in a better quality of life