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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
Rigid Intramedullary Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures in Skeletally Immature Patients Using a Lateral Trochanteric
Elliott J Kim1, Samuel N Crosby1, Gregory A Mencio1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, 4202 DOT, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232-9565. E-mail address for J.E. Martus: jeff.martus@vanderbilt.edu.
Insights
This study details rigid intramedullary nailing with trochanteric entry for pediatric femoral shaft fractures. This technique offers effective internal fixation for skeletally immature patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Femoral shaft fractures are common in children and adolescents.
- Internal fixation is a standard treatment for these fractures.
- Rigid intramedullary nailing provides a stable construct for fracture healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the technique of rigid intramedullary nailing using a trochanteric entry for femoral shaft fractures in skeletally immature patients.
- To outline the key steps and considerations for successful surgical intervention.
- To review outcomes in a cohort of pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 241 skeletally immature patients with 246 femoral shaft fractures.
- Surgical technique involves trochanteric entry rigid intramedullary nailing.
- Detailed description of surgical steps including preparation, incision, guidewire placement, reaming, nail insertion, and interlocking screw fixation.
Main Results:
- A cohort of 246 femoral shaft fractures was treated.
- Patients were skeletally immature.
- The study reviewed indications, contraindications, pitfalls, and challenges associated with the procedure.
Conclusions:
- Rigid intramedullary nailing with trochanteric entry is a viable surgical option for femoral shaft fractures in older children and adolescents.
- Meticulous surgical technique and preparation are crucial for minimizing complications.
- Further studies may be warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes and compare with other fixation methods.
Introduction:
We describe rigid intramedullary nailing using a trochanteric entry for internal fixation of femoral shaft fractures in older children and adolescents.
Step 1 Preparation Prior To Incision:
Appropriate preparation prior to the operation is key to minimizing intraoperative and postoperative complications.
Step 2 Perform Incision And Exposure:
A well-positioned incision will facilitate and reduce difficulty with ideal guidewire placement.
Step 3 Place And Overream The Guide Pin:
Ensure that the guide pin is properly positioned on the greater trochanter, while avoiding the piriformis fossa.
Step 4 Place The Guidewire And Reduce The Fracture:
Prepare the definitive guidewire. Insert the guidewire into the proximal fragment via the trochanteric portal. While maintaining the fracture reduction, advance the guidewire into the distal fragment.
Step 5 Measure Nail Length And Begin Overreaming:
Pay careful attention to the amount of reaming as well as distraction across the fracture site to provide the best fit for the nail.
Step 6 Insert The Nail:
Be sure to maintain the reduction while advancing the nail across the fracture site. Reconfirm that traction has been reduced to avoid distraction at the fracture site.
Step 7 Insert Proximal And Distal Interlocks:
Use the interlocking screws to secure the proper rotational alignment.
Step 8 Make Final Images And Close The Wound:
Confirm the reduction and adequate fixation before closure.
Results:
In our original study, a cohort of 246 femoral shaft fractures among 241 skeletally immature patients treated with trochanteric entry rigid intramedullary nailing was retrospectively reviewed.IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.
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