During my assignment I was exposed to all aspects of paediatric orthopaedic spinal care, focusing on spinal deformity.

Experience was gained in the operative and non-operative management of idiopathic, neuromuscular, syndromic and congenital scoliosis as well as kyphosis, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. I also gained experience in the outpatient management of growing rods. Operative experience was extensive and at the completion of my post, I was adequately equipped with the skills of preoperative assessment, surgical planning and free-hand pedicle screw placement.

My day-to-day activities included management of spinal inpatients while directly reporting to the managing consultant and or spinal team. I also assisted in the Spinal Clinic after a period of observation. Learning was further facilitated by discussions around the perioperative or non-operative management of these patients. Monthly multidisciplinary team meetings were also held in which surgical planning and review of past cases was done.

The unit was very cohesive and consultants were always accessible. Mentorship was great.