Long Term Outcomes of Management of Open Fractures of Long Bone among Patients with a Surgical Implant Generation Network Nail at Kumi Orthopaedic Center, Uganda

Background: Open fractures are serious injuries with the potential for severe complications such as infection and non-union. Management of open fractures is challenging especially in areas like Uganda where appropriate human resources, infrastructure and medical care are not readily accessible. The introduction of new devices for fracture stabilization and the development of microsurgical procedures for soft tissue reconstruction have greatly improved the management of open fractures. Patients presenting with open fractures of long bones at Kumi Orthopaedic Center are managed with the help of SIGN nail for fracture stabilization. However, long-term outcomes for patients have not been documented. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the long term outcomes of the management of open fractures of long bones among patients with a Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) nail at Kumi Orthopaedic Center (KOC). Methods: A retrospective study of 39 patients with open fractures who were managed at KOC between 2010 and 2022. Data on patients’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and outcomes (both physical and radiographic) was retrieved from the SIGN surgical online database of patients with over 1 year follow up period. Results: The mean age of patients was 40.3 years. The majority were male 32 (82.1%) and the commonest mechanism of injury was Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) 37 (94.9%). The majority did not have a clear record of having received antibiotics immediately after injury 29 (74.4%). However, most had a record of receiving antibiotics 1 hour before surgery 33 (84.6%). The most affected bone was the tibia 33 (84.6%). The commonest fracture type was Gustilo IIIa 18 (46.2%). On follow up; 10 (25.6%) developed an infection (osteomyelitis), 6 (15.4%) did not have a union on x-ray, 4 (10.3%) had a loose screw, 1 had an implant breakage and also 1 patient had a varus deformity. However, there was no amputation recorded. Conclusion: The management of open fractures is still a major challenge in low and middle income countries like Uganda, which is still experiencing relatively high complication rates. Guidelines emphasizing the need for early antibiotic prophylaxis and faster access to surgical treatment are required for better treatment outcomes.