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East and Central African Journal of Surgery
Association of Surgeons of East Africa and College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa
ISSN: 1024-297X EISSN: 1024-297X
Vol. 17, No. 2, 2012, pp. 38-42
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Bioline Code: js12033
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 17, No. 2, 2012, pp. 38-42
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Outcome of the Treatment of Gunshot Open Fractures of the Lower Extremities with 'SIGN' Interlocking Nails
Olasinde, A.A.; Ogunlusi, J.D. & Ikem, I.C.
Abstract
Background: Gunshot injuries are gradually on the increase in civilian populations in developing
countries due to increasing violence in our society. The treatment of fractures from these injuries is
changing with the use of locked intramedullary nailing becoming an acceptable and effective
method of fixation. Surgical Implant Generation Network interlocking nails are gaining universal
acceptability in these countries due to ease of use without the need for image intensifier. The
purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of the use 'SIGN' interlocking nailing in gunshot
open fractures of the lower limbs.
Methods: This is a prospective study of all patients in three tertiary centres in developing countries
who had gunshot fractures of lower limbs fixed with SIGN nails from 1st January to 31st December
2009 and followed up for a period of 2 years.
Results: Twenty eight patients with 31 fractures with average age of 32.5years±12.6SD. All the
patients were males except one female. Fractures occurred in femur in 20(71.4%) and tibia in
11(29.6%) SIGN nail was used to fix all fractures and union was achieved in all the patients. The
most common complication was wound in infection in 5 (15.2%).
Conclusion: SIGN intramedullary locked nail provided an effective method of fixation for gunshot
fractures of the lower extremity with minimal complication.
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© Copyright 2012 - East and Central African Journal of Surgery
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