The outcomes of patients with segmental long bone fractures treated with SIGN nail at Addis Ababa Burn, Emergency and Trauma Hospital.

OBJECTIVES

To assess outcomes of segmental long bone fractures treated with a SIGN nail.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

STUDY

SETTING

Trauma center.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Forty-four patients aged 15 to 66 years with a segmental lower extremity long bone fracture were identified and retrospectively evaluated (25 tibia, 19 femora). All patients were treated with open reduction and reamed nailing with the surgical implant generation network (SIGN) nail and were followed clinically and radiographically. Radiologic union, knee flexion, and painless weight bearing were assessed at each patient visit, and the findings at a given patient's last follow-up were used to assess their outcome.

RESULTS

Forty-four segmental long bone fractures were available for data analysis. Thirty-one of the patients were male and 13 were female. Nineteen (43.2%) were femoral fractures, and 25 (56.8%) were tibial fractures. Half of the fractures (22) were open. Forty-one fractures (93.2%) achieved union within their respective follow-up periods with no major complications. Forty-two fractures (95.5%) had knee flexion greater than 90 degrees.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of segmental long bone fractures with SIGN nails by open reduction has a good outcome regarding radiologic union and knee flexion, with few complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.