Bethlehem, Pa.-based Coordinated Health orthopedic surgeon James Hoffman, MD, performed the first shoulder replacement in Nepal at the Nepal Orthopaedic Hospital, according to the Morning Call.
Here are five things to know:
1. Many of the surgeries like Dr. Hoffman's are organized through the Internal Medical Relief, which brings physicians to areas in need of medical assistance.
2. Unlike common U.S. implants Dr. Hoffman described using outdated and bulky technology and prosthesis.
3. In addition to not having the appropriate prosthesis, Dr. Hoffman worked without equipment that guides precise prosthetic equipment.
4. During the surgery, the power went out and Dr. Hoffman was forced to place the prosthetic quickly before adhesive dried in the heat.
5. Dr. Hoffman plans to return to the hospital next year with surgical technicians and donated equipment for shoulder surgery.