Report from Haiti: Why some patients are refusing surgery

Paul Levy posts extracts from a message from Dr. R. Malcolm Smith, Chief of the Orthopaedic Trauma Service at Mass. General, who reports an unusual issue:

... Coordination around the place is nightmare and have problem with patients. With infected open fractures that are not reconstructable, refusing surgery in case they need amputation. They are just frightened and know there is no limb fitting service. Heard of same problem all over. Families take them away for second opinion which will be the same. Next phase needs limb fitting/prosthetics please! ...