[Development of intramedullary nailing and the interlocking nail]

Development of practically feasible methods for intramedullary stabilisation of fragments is inseparably linked to the name of Gerhard Küntscher. The principle of elastic transverse fixation of the nail in the medullary cavity permits its use only in fractures in the median diaphyseal range of tubular bones. For multiple and comminuted fractures Küntscher recommended a so-called "detention" or "locking" nail. This was developed further by Klemm and Schellmann, thus extending the range of indication for intramedullary fragment stabilisation. The origins and phases of development of this method are shown.