AADO Asian Fellowship Programme 2017
Report from Dr Balaji Saibaba

06 Nov – 28 Nov 2017

It is a report from Dr Balaji Saibaba, one of the successful applicants of AADO Asian Fellowship Programme in Queen Elizabeth Hospital at Hong Kong, who had a visit there on
06 Nov – 28 Nov 2017

I am very thankful to the Almighty and to the AADO organisation for granting me this privileged opportunity. This Trauma Fellowship has helped me to reinforce my knowledge, sharpen my clinical skills and rekindle my passion in orthopaedics. I would like to convey my thanks to the doctors and staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for their heart warming hospitality.

Dr. Wen Yiu Shen, our host, deserves special mention. He was very humble and soft spoken. He ensured that our stay both at the hospital and the accommodation from November 6th to 28th were hassle free. The accommodation at the nursing quarters was very comfortable and in close proximity to the hospital.

We (me and my colleague) used to attend the operating room [OR] from 9 am in the morning on all days except Wednesday. There were three ORs exclusively for Orthopaedics performing three to four cases per day on an average in each of the theatres. We observed a number of trauma surgeries which include fractures of the proximal and distal humerus, proximal femur, patella, tibia, ankle and pelvis. The effortless yet precise use of short Gamma nail for inter-trochanteric fractures, by Dr WY Shen was a treat to watch. The use of condylar bolts and supra-patellar nailing for fixation of Schatzker type VI proximal tibial fracture was very interesting to observe.

I was thrilled to see the computer navigated minimally invasive surgery [MIS] for the pelvis and sacro-iliac joint by the team led by Dr KB Lee and Dr Tim Chui. I was amazed by the accuracy of the screw placement using navigation, shorter operating time, paucity of radiation exposure, reduced blood loss and the ease of the surgical procedure. In other words, “pelvic surgery made easy” by the advent of navigated MIS. We also witnessed a number of primary and revision arthroplasties of the hip. The concept of cemented stem for all was new to me. We also had the chance to observe shoulder and knee arthroscopic surgeries including Bankart’s repair, rotator cuff repair, sub acromial decompression, ACL reconstruction and meniscal repair. The attitude and the energy of the nursing and supporting staff at the OR were commendable. The way in which the residents are patiently trained by the senior consultants during the surgical procedures is incredible.

On Wednesday mornings, we used to have multidisciplinary [Orthopaedics and Radiodiagnosis] academic grand rounds. Interesting cases, both pre-op and post-op were discussed in the grand rounds. It was a privilege to be a part of their active case discussion among Orthopaedic professors, residents and Radiology consultants. After the grand rounds, we used to attend Dr. WY Shen’s out-patient clinic where he used to show us his interesting follow up cases coupled with a brief discussion and a take home message. We also had the opportunity to go through many of his academic presentations on various topics in trauma and arthroplasty. He helped us clarify our doubts and strengthen our basics.

During the weekend, we enjoyed travelling in and around Hong Kong. The skyscrapers are marvellous engineering feats to watch. The scenic landscapes at Lantau Island and Macau were mesmerising too. People were very friendly and were fluent in English. I couldn’t try their native cuisine as I am a vegetarian and there weren’t many options for me. Yet, I visited a few Indian restaurants in HK which made me feel like home. Overall, my stay at Hong Kong was an unforgettable experience, both inside and outside the hospital!

Dr. Balaji Saibaba