ISPUB.COM The Internet Journal of Orthopedic Surgery Volume 11 Number 1 1 of 5 Preventable gangrene following overzealous treatment of limb injuries A Udosen, I Ikpeme, O Onda, P Ammah Citation A Udosen, I Ikpeme, O Onda, P Ammah. Preventable gangrene following overzealous treatment of limb injuries. The Internet Journal of Orthopedic Surgery. 2008 Volume 11 Number 1. Abstract In Nigeria and indeed Africa the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries are largely handled by traditional healers and the pattern and incidence of complications are varied1,2,3. In most cases simple soft tissue contusion are overzealously treated as if there were associated fractures or dislocations. The result of such overzealous treatment is hereby reported for public awareness and possible provision of adequate health insurance scheme. This report is done to evaluate cases of limb gangrene resulting from inappropriate treatment of limb injury. METHOD This is a prospective study in which patients with limb gangrene are evaluated as each presents. Data were collated as emergency treatments of the clients were instituted. Sources and types of injuries as well as type of initial treatment were noted. Photographs were taken at the time of intervention; unfortunately the final photographs could not be taken as patients abscond from hospital before final plans for rehabilitation. CASE REPORTS CASE NUMBER 1 Bilateral gangrene of the hand following primary closure and tight bandaging of open fractures. Figure 1 Figure 1ab:Bilateral gangrene of the hands