Use of external fixators for open tibial injuries in the rural third world: panacea of the poor?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the cost-effectiveness of external in comparison with internal fixation of tibial fractures in rural India.


METHODS
A retrospective study of 41 patients with open tibial fractures and 1 with infected non-union, treated with tubular external fixators.


RESULTS
The average cost to the patient of an external fixator was approximately Rs 600 (or US $12), which compares very favourably with costs of internal fixation of similar effectiveness.


CONCLUSIONS
In rural India, the use of locally made external fixators for primary and definitive treatment of open tibial fractures is cost effective.
Padhi
Nihar R
NR
Department of Orthopaedics, Padhar Hospital, Betul, MP, India. nihar_btl@sancharnet.in
Padhi
Poonam
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003906:Developing Countries; D016267:External Fixators / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012423:Rural Health; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome