Do It Yourself (DIY) Radiolucent Drill Guide Using a 10 ml Syringe for Freehand Distal Interlocking in...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Distal interlocking in intramedullary nailing of the femur, tibia, and humerus presents significant challenges.
• The conventional image intensifier (II) 'bull's eye' technique is often hindered by the radio-opaque chuck obscuring the interlocking screw hole.
• This necessitates multi-planar imaging and drill bit manipulation, which can compromise fixation and damage implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe a novel surgical technique for distal interlocking in intramedullary nailing.
• To overcome the limitations of the traditional 'bull's eye' technique.
• To enhance the safety and efficiency of interlocking screw placement in long bone fractures.

Main Methods:

• A new surgical technique utilizing a 10 ml syringe is presented.
• The technique aims to provide a clear view of the interlocking screw hole during the procedure.
• Detailed description of the syringe's application in guiding the drill bit and ensuring accurate screw placement.

Main Results:

• The proposed syringe technique effectively overcomes the visual obstruction caused by the chuck in the II 'bull's eye' method.
• This technique facilitates precise alignment of the drill bit with the interlocking screw hole.
• Potential for reduced operative time and improved fixation accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The 10 ml syringe technique offers a practical and effective solution for challenging distal interlocking during intramedullary nailing.
• This method enhances surgeon confidence and potentially reduces complications associated with traditional techniques.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to validate the long-term outcomes and broader applicability of this innovative approach.