Internal fixation of fractures in a peripheral set-up in Kenya

To determine the pattern of fractures in Nyeri and the types of operations done for their treatment.

A simple retrospective descriptive study.

Five of the main hospitals in Nyeri metropolis, namely, Central Provincial General Hospital, Mount Kenya Hospital, Nyeri Nursing Home, Jamii Hospital and the Presbyterian Church of East Africa Hospital, Tumutumu.

One hundred and twenty patients with 134 fractures who were admitted and operated on by the author at the above hospitals between July 1995 and July 1998.

There were 80 males and 40 females. The youngest patient was a seven year old male and the oldest an 83-year old female. The highest number of fractures involved the femur followed by the tibia. Road traffic accidents accounted for 56.6% of the fractures, falls 31.7% and assault 6.7%. Various forms of plates constituted the commonest implants used followed by Kuntscher nails. The complication rate was 14.2% with a deep infection rate of three per cent. Four deaths were recorded.

Operative treatment of fractures can safely be done in our peripheral hospitals. These hospitals should therefore be adequately equipped for this form of treatment.