Saddam's Palace Basement Becomes O&P Lab

Throughout the war in Iraq, media attention has been focused on military operations, and the impact on daily life has often been forgotten. In that war-torn nation, the medical system is a shambles, and the need for orthotics and prosthetics is rapidly rising. While most military attention has been focused on the war effort, one US Army captain in Baghdad turned his attention to helping Iraqi citizens receive the orthotic and prosthetic care they so desperately need. Left to right: Captain Steve Lindsley, patient Fallah, and Sergeant Chris Cummings. Army Captain Steve Lindsley, who is the clinical coordinator for the Mississippi Methodist Rehab Center, Monroe, Louisiana, served as the logistics officer with the 112th Military Police Battalion in Baghdad until early this year. He was one of the pioneers of Operation Restoration, a project that was founded to provide local Iraqis with artificial limbs and braces. Along with Sergeant Chris Cummings, a member of the civil affairs unit who owned an orthotic and prosthetic central fabrication business before being called to duty, and Captain Rob Edwards, the INTEL officer for his battalion, Lindsley was able to establish a makeshift prosthetics lab in the basement of one of Saddam Hussein's palaces where over 60 patients have received care. The need for orthoses and prostheses was immediately apparent to Lindsley and his colleagues in Iraq. "It was kind of ironic," said Lindsley. "Baghdad is the most populated area, but prosthetic care was not readily available to anyone." Overcoming Obstacles The founders of Operation Restoration had to overcome numerous obstacles in order to succeed in providing quality care to their patients. The high demand for care was overwhelming to Lindsley. "The sheer number of patients is close to what I have accomplished in a successful year of work in the states with two technicians and three clinicians on staff." Lindsley and his colleagues were required to carry out their everyday duties within their respective units, which meant a vast majority of their fabrication and patient care was done on their free time. They were also lacking in equipment; the prosthetic lab utilized a pizza oven that belonged to Saddam Hussein, and a disarmed mortar tube served as a base for riveting various straps to devices. All materials and components were donated through Lindsley's hospital in Louisiana from various suppliers in the US who wanted to help the Iraqi citizens. In addition, the soldiers had to overcome a language barrier and work each day with the constant threat of insurgent attacks. New Lives for Amputees Cummings fitting Iraqi patient. Despite their lacking equipment and shortage of clinicians, the founders of Operation Restoration have been able to see the difference they have made in their patients lives. Lindsley related a story about an Iraqi tank commander named Fallah who lost both of his limbs during the Iraq/Iran war. Both legs were crushed at the ankle after his tank was destroyed. Fallah tied tourniquets to both legs and crawled to help. After enduring nine surgeries, he received his only set of prostheses, which he had for 17 years. He had been doing his own prosthetic repairs over the years, using wire from picture frames to mend his prostheses. When Operation Restoration came to fruition, the former Iraqi commander was fitted for new prostheses, which gave him a new lease on life. "When we got the legs, he tried to get me to do an Iraqi dance with him," said Lindsley. "Now he plays soccer with his prostheses." Just before leaving Iraq, Lindsley also had the opportunity to play in a soccer game with three of his amputee patients and several locals in northern Iraq. "The spirit of the patients is incredible," he said. Though he is now stateside, Lindsley plans to stay involved with the clinic he helped found in Iraq. In March, Lindsley and Cummings traveled to Florida to discuss the terms of a military funds disbursement that will benefit the clinic. The military committed $350,000 to the clinic for the purchase of BioSculptor® CAD software for above-the-knee and below-the-knee amputations, as well as supplies that will be shipped to the clinic. Iraqi Students Train in US Lindsley and Cummings with a group of children they provided with school supplies. Two Iraqi student apprentices that are currently working in the lab in Iraq will be coming to the US to train on the BioSculptor system so that they will be able to continue their work when the US military leaves. Lindsley's hospital will have the same software system so that they can continue to serve as support for the Iraqi clinic. Through this training, Lindsley hopes that the clinic will be able to prosper for years to come. "Our goal is that the clinic maintains some semblance of independence for when we can't be there." Lindsley will also work with civil affairs to ship prosthetic components to the clinic. Lindsley emphasized that stricter medical standards need to be initiated in Iraq. The number of amputees was much lower than it could have been, because often when a person loses a limb, he or she also loses a life. "I want to see clinicians come up to the standards we have here and take care of their patients." High Hopes for Future Lindsley fitting a patient with a new prosthesis. Those involved with Operation Restoration have high hopes for its future success. With continued training, they think that the Iraqi people will soon receive the quality medical care they deserve. However, Lindsley hopes that Operation Restoration has imparted a deeper message to the Iraqi people. "I want to help the Iraqis to see that contrary to what they have been taught from an early age, there are many good people in America who care about others around the world and want to help when possible." With continued support from projects like Operation Restoration and improvements in the medical system, Iraqi citizens will no doubt receive that message.

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