Every year on World Head Injury Awareness Day, we highlight the critical importance of head trauma management and the role of expert medical intervention in saving lives.

At Melomed Richards Bay, our resident specialists, Dr. Nondabula Moyeni (Neurosurgeon), Dr. Solomzi Mzamo (Spinal Orthopaedic Surgeon), and Dr. Thato Mniki (Orthopaedic Surgeon), stand at the forefront of specialized trauma care, offering expertise in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal injuries, and orthopaedic trauma.

DR NONDABULA MOYENI

Neurosurgical expertise in head trauma

One of the most severe and time-sensitive complications of head trauma is an extradural haematoma (EDH), a condition expertly discussed by Dr. Nondabula Moyeni in a recent article.
EDH occurs when bleeding takes place between the dura mater (the tough outer membrane covering the brain) and the skull, often due to head injuries from motor vehicle accidents, physical assaults, or falls. This condition demands immediate neurosurgical intervention
to prevent permanent brain damage or fatality.

Anatomy and Pathophysiology of EDH

The human brain resides within the protective skull bone, encased by three meningeal layers:

• • Dura mater (outermost layer)
  • Arachnoid mater (middle layer)
  • Pia mater (innermost layer)

Between the dura mater and the skull exists a potential space, known as the extradural or epidural space. In cases of extradural haematoma, blood accumulates in this space, exerting
pressure on the brain, leading to symptoms such as severe headaches, loss of consciousness, confusion, and neurological deficits.

Causes and Risk Factors

According to Dr. Moyeni, 10% of hospital-admitted traumatic brain injuries involve extradural haematomas. The common causes include:

• • Traumatic injuries (skull fractures, arterial or venous tears due to accidents, falls, and assaults)
  • Non-traumatic causes (vascular malformations, infections, blood disorders, and malignancies)

DR SOLOMZI MZAMO

Spinal orthopaedic surgery for trauma-related spine injuries

Spinal injuries are often associated with head trauma and can lead to long-term disability if not managed appropriately. Dr. Solomzi Mzamo, a spinal orthopaedic surgeon, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal trauma, including:

• • Vertebral fractures and dislocations
  • Spinal cord injuries due to trauma
  • Minimally invasive spine surgery for decompression and stabilization
  • Rehabilitation strategies for spinal injury recovery
  • Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries in South Africa

A recent study by Joseph et al. reported a staggering 75.6 per million persons as the incidence rate of traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) in South Africa. The leading cause of TSCI in the country is assault (60%), followed by transport related causes (26%) and falls (12%).

While the management of spinal cord injuries has evolved toward comprehensive care, only a few
provinces have the organizational capacity to provide holistic treatment. Patients in urban areas and those with private healthcare insurance generally have better access to care, while those
in rural regions often struggle to receive adequate treatment.

Dr. Mzamo and his multidisciplinary team—comprising an orthopaedic spine surgeon, physician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, social workers, and psychologists—are dedicated to
ensuring full participation and improved quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries. Their approach includes:

• • Primary prevention strategies to reduce SCI cases
  • Secondary prevention of complications to shorten hospital stays
  • Enhanced access to care for patients in underserved areas

DR THATO MNIKI

Orthopaedic trauma and limb salvage surgery

Severe orthopaedic injuries often accompany head trauma, requiring expert management to restore mobility and functionality. Dr. Thato Mniki, an orthopaedic surgeon, specializes in:

• • Fracture management and surgical repair
  • Joint stabilization following traumatic injuries
  • Limb reconstruction and rehabilitation
  • Advanced orthopaedic trauma surgery

His expertise in treating complex fractures and musculoskeletal injuries ensures that trauma patients regain optimal movement and quality of life post-injury.

Comprehensive Trauma Care at Melomed Richards Bay

At Melomed Richards Bay, our multidisciplinary team of specialists—Drs. Moyeni, Mzamo, and Mniki—collaborates to provide holistic, world-class trauma care. From lifesaving neurosurgical procedures to spinal and orthopaedic trauma management, our specialists are equipped with cuttingedge technology and advanced surgical techniques.

Raising Awareness and Preventing Head and Orthopaedic Injuries

On World Head Injury Awareness Day, we emphasize the importance of preventive measures to reduce trauma cases, including:

• • Wearing helmets and seatbelts to minimize injury severity in accidents
  • Ensuring child safety by securing play areas and using protective gear
  • Recognizing early symptoms of head and spinal injuries to seek immediate medical attention

At Melomed Richards Bay, our commitment to neurosurgical and orthopaedic excellence ensures that every patient receives top-tier medical intervention. With Drs. Moyeni, Mzamo, and Mniki leading the way, we continue to provide lifesaving and restorative care for those affected by traumatic injuries.

For more information or to consult with our specialists, contact Melomed Richards Bay today.

CNR of N2 and MR496 (John Ross Highway)
Tel: 035 791 5300 | E-mail: info@melomed.co.za
www.melomed.co.za

PROVIDING AFFORDABLE QUALITY HEALTHCARE