[Principles of intramedullary nailing of the femur and tibia]

The interlocking nail technique is a perfected method to stabilise even complex shaft fractures of tibia and femur. There are some advantages of this technique compared with Küntscher's intramedullary nailing, such as avoidance of telescoping and rotation of the fragments. In view of the principles of interlocking nailing and some hints on indication, as given here, the orthopaedic surgeon will obtain good results in the treatment of shaft fractures when proceeding as described.