On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the Orchidée Hotel in Owendo hosted a major medical conference, bringing together a host of specialists in general surgery, orthopedic surgery and traumatology, from various backgrounds, notably from Senegal, Gabon, but also from other sub-Saharan African countries.

This scientific event focused on the central theme of road traffic accident-related injuries, a major public health scourge in our contemporary societies, particularly in Africa where the associated morbidity and mortality remain a concern. The scientific papers presented covered a wide range of clinical and surgical issues relating to axial and appendicular skeletal injuries, multiple trauma, as well as the emergency management of accident patients.

The speakers shared their clinical experiences, surgical protocols, and data from their hospital practices, in a spirit of multidisciplinary collaboration. Discussions focused on:

Decision-making algorithms in emergency trauma.

Surgical management of complex pelvic and spinal fractures.

Therapeutic approaches to severe cranioencephalic trauma.

Innovations in osteoarticular fixation.

Strategies for preventing postoperative complications, such as nosocomial infection or deep thrombophlebitis.

This conference provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, fostering capacity building for practitioners and highlighting the need for better regional coordination in the management of road traffic injuries, the incidence of which is increasing in tandem with rapid urbanization and unregulated motorization.

At the end of the day, participants unanimously praised the quality of the scientific discussions and expressed their desire to continue this type of medical meeting, with the aim of consolidating an African network of trauma specialists.