SIGN started one new project in Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the capital of Myanmar (formerly Burma). The first day we treated tibia fractures. One of the cases was a very proximal fracture near the knee, a typical location for tibia fractures in Myanmar. The second day we treated femur fractures in retrograde fashion (through the knee), and the third day we did an antegrade femur (through the hip) as well as a very distal tibia. The cases were very challenging, but SIGN performed well.

The surgeons in Myanmar were grateful for the instruments and implants donated by SIGN. The businessmen we met were incredulous that we simply gave the implants away. One surgeon, Dr. Soe, thanked us with great emotion. He had trained in Scotland where they used a C-arm x-ray machine to implant intermedullary nails. That system required one hour just to place one screw. The first time Dr. Soe used the SIGN technique he implanted the nail and all interlocking screws with SIGN’s target arm in just 45 minutes. Dr. Soe asserted that SIGN has the best IM nail system in the world.

The hospitals were packed with people suffering from fractures sustained in traffic accidents or at work. I have returned realizing how much we take our personal wealth and comfort for granted. In Myanmar the surgeons often have to pay for the antibiotics and the meals for their patients because the patients are so poor. When a neighboring patient can afford it, he or she will buy enough food for two and give away the second portion.

We met many fine people in Myanmar. Among them was the Minister of Health, Major-General Ket Sein, and the Minister and Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Brigadier-General D.O. Abel. The surgeons are very grateful and happy to work with us. I believe Myanmar will be a flourishing program.

During our time in Vietnam and Myanmar, the surgeries performed in training gave 20 people the opportunity to walk again and lead productive lives. In addition, the implants we presented to Vietnam and Myanmar are enough to heal 400 more people.