Cost-effectiveness of replacing skeletal traction by interlocked intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft fractures in a provincial trauma hospital in Cambodia

Abstract

In this article the costs and effectiveness of introducing the SIGN nailing system for femoral shaft fractures in a provincial trauma hospital in Cambodia are compared to those of Perkin's traction treatment. At an average cost per patient of $1,107 in the traction group and $ 888 in the nail group (p<0.01), and with better clinical outcomes in the nail group, internal fixation is more cost-effective than conservative treatment. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.