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.

Background. The escalating use of motorcycle for commercial transportation of commuters and goods has resulted in an increase in morbidity and mortality from road traffic injuries. Objectives. To study the characteristics of motorcycle injuries seen in Irrua, Nigeria. Materials and Methods. This is a one-year prospective study of all patients seen from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009. A structured proforma was filled for all consecutive crash victims involving a motorcycle. Results. Motorcycle injuries accounted for 11.6% of attendance in surgical emergency room (142 out of 1,214); 76.8% were males. Amongst victims 47.1% were riders, 42.9%, passengers, and 7.8% pedestrians. Extremity injury accounted for 42.2% while head injury occurred in 21.8%. There were 9 deaths (6.3%). In this study no victim used crash helmet. Conclusion. Banning of motorcycle for commercial use and the introduction of tricycles into rural/suburban comminutes may be an important preventive strategy.

BackgroundThe reverse sural artery flap is a generally accepted means of soft tissue reconstruction for defects of the distal third of the legs. The routine sacrifice of the sural nerve with its consequential temporary loss of sensation on the lateral aspect of the foot can be of concern to early rehabilitation of some patients.MethodThis is a case report of a 24 years old male who had Gustillo and Anderson type IIIB injury involving the upper part of the distal 3rd and the middle 3rd of tibia. A reverse sural artery flap was raised without transecting the sural nerve to cover the distal part of the defect.ResultThe distal part of the exposed bone was covered with the reverse sural artery flap without loss of sensation at anytime to the lateral part of the foot.ConclusionThe reverse sural artery flap can be raised to cover the upper portion of the distal leg without severing the sural nerve.

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