IntroductionManagement of open fractures poses a constant challenge to Orthopaedic surgeons in Nigeria. Our aim is to determine the epidemiological pattern of open fractures in our centre and share our experiences on the initial management and problems encountered.MethodsThis was an 18 month prospective study of patients that presented with open fractures at our emergency room. Already prepared data collection sheets were used to collect relevant data directly from patients and patients' files.ResultsThere were 58 open fractures in 52 patients (31 males and 21 females). Mean age of patients was 36.4 ± 12.2 years. Most patients (82.7%) fell within the age group of 20-49 years. Traders (28.9%) and students (19.6%) were mostly affected. Most open fractures (88.5%) were due to road traffic accidents. The tibia and fibula were the most frequently affected (44.4%). Most injuries were Gustilo et al. types IIIA & IIIB (79.3%) open fractures. Patients had initial resuscitation followed by debridement in 42 cases (72%). Fractures were initially stabilized with external fixators in 23 cases (39.7%) and cast slabs in 19 cases (32.8%). The average time between presentation and debridement was 30 hours and average hospital stay was 36 days. Forty two point five per cent of wounds were infected.ConclusionOpen fractures were mostly due to road traffic accidents and affected the tibia and fibula most frequently with Gustilo et al. types IIIA and IIIB forming the bulk of the injuries. Management was challenging with late presentations, scarcity of resources and consequent high rate of infections, prolonged morbidity and hospital stay. These problems were worsened by delay in antibiotic commencement and initial debridement, sub-optimal treatment at peripherial hospitals and mis-management by traditional bone setters.

IntroductionComplications arising from the practice of traditional bone setting is a major contributor to the challenges the orthodox orthopaedic practitioner in Nigeria faces. We share our experience at a multi-specialist private health facility in Warri, South-south, Nigeria.MethodsCase notes of patients with musculoskeletal injuries who had prior treatment by traditional bone setters with resulting complications before presenting at our health facility for treatment were reviewed and relevant information extracted and entered in an already prepared proforma. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17 and results presented in form of means, percentages, ratios and tables.Results43 cases were reviewed in a period of 8 years. There were 21 males and 22 females. The average age of patients was 44.8 ± 20.3 years. The most frequent age group affected was that of 40-49 years. 45.8% of the initial injuries were due to road traffic accidents while 39.5% resulted from falls. Femoral fractures and humeral fractures formed 20.4% and 14.8% of cases respectively. 40.8% of traditional bone setters complications observed were non-union of fractures of various bones followed by mal-union in 24.5% of cases.ConclusionThe observed complications of traditional bone setters practice in this study were similar to those previously reported in the literature. These complications constitute a significant challenge to the orthopaedic practitioner in Africa with associated negative socioeconomic impact on our society. Government and other relevant stakeholders need to unite and take decisive actions to mitigate this problem.

Objective: To report the outcome of treatment of Types B2 and B3 Post- operative Periprosthetic proximal femoral fracture (PPFF) in four patients treated in Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State, using Vancouver classification of Duncan and Masri. Methodology: A retrospective study of four cases managed in this hospital. Information retrieved from case notes were sex, age, duration of prosthesis, treatment given, complications and outcome of treatment. Result: Atotal of 4 patients were reviewed in the study, 2 males and 2 females with a M: F of 1: 1. Duration of the implant before treatment was 5-12 years (mean of 8.3years). Age range was 60-83years (mean of 67.5 years). Two patients had Type B2 and two had Type B3. Average intraoperative blood loss was 1 litre. Duration of surgery was 3-4 hours. Duration of hospital stay was between 3 weeks and 5 months. The complications seen were primary haemorrhage, wound infection, hip dislocation and pulmonaryembolism. The outcome was good for 3 patients and fair in 1, using Harris Hip Score. Conclusion:Vancouver classification of Duncan and Masri is effective in the treatment of PPFF. Key words; Periprosthetic femoral fracture, Long stem hip prosthesis, Vancouver classification, osteolysis.

BACKGROUND: The scaphoid is the most prominent of the carpal bones in the first row and the most frequently fractured of all the carpal bones. Bilateral simultaneous scaphoid fractures are uncommon. OBJECTIVE: To report bilateral simultaneous fractures of the carpal scaphoid bones and their successful treatment with bilateral thumb spacia casts METHODS: A 28-year-old medical practitioner presented with a day history of painful swollen wrists following a fall on both outstretched hands. He was fully examined and had both wrists X-rayed. He was subsequently treated with bilateral below elbowthumb spica POP cast. RESULTS: He had previously been healthy until this fall. Physical examination showed a healthy looking young man in pain. There were swelling and tenderness over both anatomical snuff boxes with assoociated limitation of movements at the wrists. X-rays revealed an undisplaced scaphoid wrist fracture and proximal pole fracture on the right and left respectively. He was successfully treated with bilateral below elbow thumb spica POP cast applied over a period of eight weeks. CONCLUSION: Although recent opinions tend to favour internal fixation for bilateral simultaneous fractures of the scaphoid bones to avoid prolonged cast immobilization and loss of man hours at work, they can be successfully treated with conservative cast immobilisation with comparatively early return to full activity. WAJM 2010; 29(6): 425-428.

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