[Bundle nailing--an evaluation after 27 years]

The development of modern osteosynthetic procedures has made the use of bundle nailing uncommon. Bundle nailing is restricted to extraordinary situations, but when indication is correct, it is superior to alternative procedures. From a current viewpoint only two indications remain: one are the fractures of the humeral shaft which cannot be treated conservatively, and the second are fractures of the femur in children if serious complications endanger conservative treatment. Simple instruments and implants as well as simple technique produce excellent results in the hands of experienced surgeons even if seldom performed. The rate of relevant complications for the above mentioned indications was 0.91% in a total of 560 bundle nailings; those were complications which either led to reoperation or negative effects on function.