The AO 8mm solid tibial nail is not defunct

The AO 8mm unreamed tibial nail (UTN) is an established implant that has in some publications been associated with high rate of distal locking screw breakage and failure. Larger reamed nails are now increasingly favoured. We have used the 8mm UTN employing all three available distal screws when appropriate and with a restricted initial weight-bearing regimen. Our experience has been satisfactory with 95% union rate and no adverse effect of distal locking screw breakage. This slender nail requires less frequent reaming which may be an advantage in at least some situations. We suggest that it should be considered an alternative to larger reamed nails and can perform satisfactorily with appropriate application.