Traditional bone setter's gangrene (TBSG) is the term we use to describe the sequelae sometimes seen after treatment with native fracture splints. Twenty five consecutive complications were recorded in 25 patients aged between 5-50 years with a median age of 10 years. The major complication of the native fracture splint treatment was distal limb gangrene necessitating proximal amputations in 15 cases.

Background: The management of burns remains a challenge in developing countries. Few data exist to document the extent of the problem. This study provides data from a suburban setting by documenting the epidemiology of burn injury and ascertaining outcome of management. This will help in planning strategies for prevention of burns and reducing severity of complications.

A study was made of 100 major amputations performed on 96 patients in two regional hospitals in a 10-year period in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to evaluate the outcome of major amputations in Nigeria. The median age of patients was 30 years with male to female ratio 3:1. Ninety of the 100 major amputations involved the lower limbs with the above-the-knee/elbow-the-knee ratio of 0.5. Trauma was the leading indication for 70 amputations, of these 60 were iatrogenic resulting from mismanaged fractures by the traditional bone setters. The non-traumatic indications were: diabetic limb gangrene (20); bone malignancies (9); and vascular insufficiency (1). Provisional amputation was offered in 60 cases, of these 10 had reamputation. There were eight (8.5%) mortalities. The functional outcome for this group was discouraging. Only 25 amputees affording successful prosthetic fitting and social rehabilitation. Major amputation in Nigeria foreshadows a dismal existence and emphasizes the need for health policies which are effective in controlling the risk factors.

Aim: To elucidate the pattern of presentation and management of traumatic major joint dislocations as seen in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. Method: A five-year retrospective review of 44 cases in 43 patients. Data were retrieved from the Medical Records Department of the hospital. Results: Forty-four cases of traumatic dislocations were reviewed in 43 patients. Male to female ratio was 7.6:1. Median age was 33 years. The majority of patients were in the 3 rd decade of life. Patients below 40 years accounted for 62.79% of cases. Twenty-four (55.81%) patients had hip dislocation. Knee dislocations were the least, accounting for 2.32% of cases. All cases except three resulted from road traffic accidents (RTAs). None had neurologic deficits. Nineteen (44.23%) patients had isolated injuries. 76.7% cases presented in less than 6 hours. All shoulder dislocations were anterior while all elbow dislocations were posterior. All except 3 cases were managed by closed manipulation under general anaesthesia. Two patients died from associated head injury. Fourteen patients discharged against medical advice while recuperating in the ward. Follow-up was however difficult as a significant number did not turn up. Conclusion: Hip dislocation is the commonest variety of traumatic dislocation in our setting. A majority of cases were amenable to closed manipulation and immobilization. Road traffic accidents accounted for the majority.

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