To create equality of fracture care throughout the world.
SIGN is a humanitarian organization that builds sustainable orthopaedic capacity in developing countries by providing relevant education to surgeons, then manufacturing and donating the instruments and implants needed to treat fractures.
The SIGN Model
Education + Implants = Healing
Education must be combined with donated implants in order to empower surgeons to provide healing to the poor.
THE SIGN DIFFERENCE
SIGN partners with overseas surgeons to build sustainable orthopaedic capacity by donating education, instruments, and implants. By working with teaching hospitals and hosting educational conferences worldwide, SIGN equips surgeons to heal patients within their own communities.
After educating each surgeon, SIGN gives them the instruments and implants they need to perform effective surgery. The SIGN System is designed for use in low-resource hospitals, and does not require the use of expensive x-ray machines, or even electricity.
We design, manufacture, and distribute SIGN Nails, FX Plates, and other implants at our facilities in Richland, Washington. Click here to learn more about our products.
HOSPITALS USING SIGN
In many parts of the world, untreated bone fractures lead to permanent disability and hardship. The working poor are the most seriously affected. With more than 50% of the world’s population living on less than $5.50 per day, a disabled family member who cannot work may drag the entire family even further into poverty.
Most hospitals in developing countries are not equipped to deal with the rising epidemic of trauma injuries. They treat fractures with traction or plaster casts, which force the patient to be immobilized for three months. Even then, the outcome is unreliable, as the bone may heal improperly. Untreated bone fractures can easily lead to lifelong pain and disability.
You can make a difference
Every SIGN Surgery transforms a life. For the cost of one night in a hotel, you can heal a broken bone and help a person get back on their feet. $150 provides the implants needed for one SIGN Surgery.