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Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Targeting device for intramedullary nails: a new high-stable mechanical guide
Y Arlettaz1, A Akiki, F Chevalley
1Orthopaedic and Trauma Department, Hôpital du Chablais, Monthey, Switzerland. yvan.arlettaz@hopitalduchablais.ch
Injury
|September 22, 2007
Summary
This study introduces a new targeting guide for intramedullary nailing, simplifying distal locking. The device is effective, easy to use, and comparable in time to existing methods, offering significant advantages for surgeons.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Surgical instrumentation
- Trauma care
Background:
- Distal locking during intramedullary nailing is a technically challenging procedure.
- Existing methods for distal locking can be time-consuming and involve significant radiation exposure for surgeons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clinically and prospectively evaluate a novel, fully mechanical targeting guide for distal locking in intramedullary nailing.
- To assess the efficacy, safety, and usability of the new device compared to conventional techniques.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 25 consecutive patients treated in two trauma centers.
- Two surgeons utilized the new targeting guide after standard intramedullary nailing procedures.
- Evaluations focused on distal locking time, radiation exposure duration, and overall procedure time.
Main Results:
- Distal locking duration and overall procedure time were comparable to existing literature values.
- The new device demonstrated advantages over other systems, being fully mechanical and adaptable to existing equipment.
- Manual adjustability outside the X-ray field reduced surgeon irradiation exposure.
Conclusions:
- The new targeting guide is an effective, reproducible, and easy-to-learn tool for distal locking in intramedullary nailing.
- Its mechanical design and adjustability offer improved safety and efficiency for surgeons.
- This device presents a valuable alternative for distal locking in orthopedic trauma surgery.
