Reconstructive Surgery: Restoring Lives in the Wake of Earthquakes

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco on September 8th 2023, killing over 2,000 people and injuring thousands more.

With the death toll and injuries said to rise, the epicentre of the quake was high up in the Atlas mountains, parts of which are remote and difficult to access. The city of Marrakesh, the nearest tourist hub was also affected. 

We know that earthquakes are natural disasters that can unleash unimaginable devastation upon communities and leave a lasting impact on the lives of survivors. While the immediate dangers of collapsing buildings and infrastructure are widely recognized, the often-overlooked aftermath of these disasters is the devastating injuries that result. 

Many earthquake survivors suffer from severe injuries, including fractures, burns, crush injuries, and spinal cord damage, which may require reconstructive and disability-reversing surgery to restore their quality of life. 

Reconstructive surgery plays a critical role in helping earthquake survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath.

When an earthquake strikes, the immediate consequences can be catastrophic. Buildings crumble, roads rupture, and lives are shattered in an instant. Survivors are often trapped under rubble, suffering from broken bones, lacerations, and severe burns. The first responders and medical teams on the scene work tirelessly to provide initial care, but many survivors require extensive surgical intervention to repair their injuries.

The Importance of Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery plays a pivotal role in earthquake recovery efforts. It encompasses a range of surgical procedures aimed at restoring form and function to damaged body parts. 

Injuries including fractures need surgical techniques to fix, realign and stabilize fractured bones, allowing them to heal correctly.

In our experience as reconstructive injury specialists working in the aftermath of war and disaster we know that fires that often follow earthquakes can cause severe burns, leading to scarring and loss of function. Other injuries include facial trauma, spinal cord injuries and crush injuries when the collapse of buildings can result in damaging muscles, nerves, and blood vessels and paralyzed limbs. Surgeons perform reconstructive procedures to release trapped tissues and restore blood flow, aiming to salvage limbs and prevent amputation, as well as maxillofacial surgeons specialize in reconstructing facial injuries, often using techniques like bone grafts and microsurgery.

In addition to physical injuries, earthquake survivors often endure psychological trauma. Reconstructive surgery can play a significant role in addressing this aspect of recovery as well. 

Recovering from earthquake-related injuries often requires a collaborative effort from various medical specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation experts. These teams work together to develop comprehensive treatment plans that encompass surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and psychological support.

Earthquakes leave a trail of destruction in their wake, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in the lives of survivors who suffer devastating injuries. Reconstructive surgery plays a vital role in rebuilding these lives, offering hope, healing, and the possibility of regaining lost abilities. 

As communities come together to support those affected by the earthquake in Morocco, we stand with medical volunteers and survivors on their journey toward recovery.