Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is SIGN different from other medical humanitarian organizations?
By providing surgeons in developing nations with training and instrumentation, SIGN is successfully building local orthopaedic surgical capability and improving the quality of fracture care for the injured poor. SIGN designs and manufactures orthopaedic implants and instruments at SIGN headquarters in Richland, Washington, and donates these products to surgeons abroad. This donation occurs once surgeons have been trained in the SIGN surgical technique. SIGN commits to providing both ongoing training and equipment so that surgeons can continue to treat the poor within hours of their injury.
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What is a SIGN program?
A hospital is considered a SIGN program when surgeons are trained to use the SIGN technique on poor trauma victims and are regularly reporting surgeries to the SIGN surgical database. To become a SIGN program a hospital must complete an application form and submit it to SIGN headquarters. The hospital must agree to use the SIGN equipment on the poor and to report their SIGN cases onto the surgical database. Once approved, the surgeons of this hospital will be trained in the SIGN technique by a volunteer SIGN surgeon or a locally trained SIGN surgeon.
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What is the SIGN surgical database?
The SIGN surgical database is an important tool for SIGN. Created in 2003, it was originally designed to track surgeries and evaluate the effectiveness of the SIGN system. Over time it has developed into a forum in which surgeons abroad can ask questions, receive advice and share surgical results. Often they reveal alternative indications for the SIGN nail. Surgeons demonstrated that the SIGN nail was not only being used successfully in the tibia, but also in the femur and humerus. SIGN schedules its manufacturing by nails and screws reported on the database. After 20 surgeries have been recorded, the hospital is automatically sent replacement implants.
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What are the duties of a SIGN surgeon?
Once trained in the SIGN technique, surgeons are responsible for reporting their SIGN surgeries to the database on a regular basis. Many SIGN surgeons take on the responsibility of teaching the SIGN technique to other surgeons within their department, in other hospitals within their country and in hospitals in neighboring countries. SIGN surgeons are encouraged to attend regional conferences as well as the international SIGN conference held at our headquarters in Richland, Washington each year.
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How do I become a SIGN medical volunteer?
Please visit our Medical Volunteer page for our application and credentialing information.
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How do I apply for my hospital to become a SIGN program?
Hospitals interested in becoming a SIGN program must complete the online Application Form. Once submitted, the application is reviewed by SIGN headquarters.
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How are SIGN programs funded?
SIGN programs are funded through the commitment of volunteer orthopaedic trauma surgeons, faithful SIGN supporters, corporate sponsors, and support from Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs.
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How do I donate to SIGN?
You can donate in a variety of ways, including by mail, by stock, and online by credit card. Please visit our Donate page for more information.
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How do I contact SIGN?
Please visit our Contact Us page for our mailing address, email address and phone number.
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