Achieving locked intramedullary fixation of long bone fractures: technology for the developing world

Eighty per cent of severe fractures occur in developing countries. Long bone fractures are treated by conservative methods if proper implants, intraoperative imaging and consistent electricity are lacking. These conservative treatments often result in lifelong disability. Locked intramedullary nailing is the standard of care for long bone fractures in the developed world. The Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) has developed technology that allows all orthopaedic surgeons to treat fracture patients with locked intramedullary nailing without the need for image intensifiers, fracture tables or power reaming. Introduced in 1999, SIGN nails have been used to treat more than 100,000 patients in over 55 developing world countries. SIGN instruments and implants are donated to hospitals with the stipulation that they will be used to treat the poor at no cost. Studies have shown that patients return to function more rapidly, hospital stays are reduced, infection rates are low and clinical outcomes excellent. Cost-effectiveness analysis has confirmed that the system not only provides better outcomes, but does so at a reduced cost. SIGN continues to develop new technologies, in an effort to transform lives and bring equality in fracture care to the poorest of regions.