Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
SHR Neuro Krebs Kardio Lipid Stoffw Microb
Wichlas, F; Hofmann, V; Strada, G; Moursy, M; Deininger, C.
Off-label use of orthopedical trauma implants in a low-income country.
Int Orthop. 2022; 46(1): 21-27.
Doi: 10.1007/s00264-021-04990-x
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- Führende Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz
- Deininger Christian
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- Abstract:
- PURPOSE: Lack of resources, severe injuries, and logistical flaws force surgeons in low-income countries (LIC) to improvise during surgery and use implants "off-label." These off-label treatments are specific for the work of trauma surgeons in non-governmental (NGO) hospitals in LIC. The aim of this study is to show the need of off-label surgery in an environment of low resources by means of typical examples. METHODS: Off-label treated fractures, the implant used instead, and the reason for off-label treatment were investigated in 367 injuries over a three month period in an NGO hospital in Sierra Leone. RESULTS: Twenty-seven fractures were treated off-label with mostly K-wires (88.89%) and external fixators (51.85%). Three reasons for off-label use could be defined: no suitable implants (N = 14), the condition of soft tissues that did not allow internal osteosyntheses (N = 10), and implants not ready for surgery due to logistic flaws (N = 3). The implants needed were mostly locking plates. CONCLUSION: Surgeons in similar settings must use K-wires and external fixators to treat complex fractures. Using implants off-label can help surgeons to treat fractures otherwise left untreated.
- Find related publications in this database (using NLM MeSH Indexing)
- Bone Plates - administration & dosage
- Bone Wires - administration & dosage
- External Fixators - administration & dosage
- Fracture Fixation, Internal - administration & dosage
- Humans - administration & dosage
- Off-Label Use - administration & dosage
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- Off-label treatment
- NGO surgery
- Austere environment
- Complex injuries
- LIC
- K-wires
- External fixators