A Leg to Stand On

By Michelle Foltz

Book Overview

A Leg to Stand On is the story of SIGN, Surgical Implant Generation Network, the organization founded by Dr. Lewis Zirkle in his quest to make top quality orthopaedic implants to treat the injured poor in developing countries. This is the story of the surgeons who have taken these simple instruments and ingeniously transformed them into a versatile set of surgical tools to solve many fracture problems. It is also the story of the millions of people injured and disabled in the under-reported epidemic of injuries caused by road traffic crashes, falls, and interpersonal violence that particularly affect those caught in the throes of poverty.

SIGN's story is told from observations while working with surgeons in their hospitals in Africa and Asia. For many of these surgeons SIGN has given them not only a useful tool that has expanded their professional competence, but has also invited them to become the foundation of a strong humanitarian surgical network. It has given patients, who would be otherwise crippled for life, a leg to stand on.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595529283
• ISBN13: 9780595529285
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A leg to stand on, great book

in A Leg To Stand On, Dr Zirkle shows how ONE American man has made a big difference to thousands of injured people ALL over the world. This is the real news, lifesaving news, and world-peace news. Basic medical expertise used on indigent people in third and second-world countries. Patty

A Great Book!

The story of the development and implementation of the SIGN NAIL, used to treat fractures in the poor countries of the world. This is a great story of a man, Lewis Zirkle, MD, his passion to care for "the man in the bed" and an orthopaedic implant that has changed the world, one femur at a time! i recommend it for orthopaedic surgeons, medical personnel, and any human being who is interested in projects that change lives.

A Leg to Stand On

Dr. Foltz's thoughtful account of the vision of one orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Lew Zirkle, to create equality of fracture care throughout the world bears proof that one person can make a difference. Trauma is an unrecognized epidemic in the world. Yet, trauma victims in developing countries now have hope for full recovery thanks to SIGN (Surgical Implant Generation Network) and the growing network of surgeons trained in SIGN surgery. This is the compelling story of how one humanitarian organization works to help thousands of needy patients while creating harmony between people of many races, cultures and religions.