Mechanical evaluation of humeral interlocking intramedullary nails

Implantation of an interlocking intramedullary nail has rapidly become the modality of choice for the management of various fractures of the humeral shaft; namely, those that are not minimally displaced, impacted and/or stable. The mechanical properties of the nail per se or the nail-bone construct are essential to the nail's satisfactory clinical performance. The present work is a critical review of this topic, using reports given in the opne literature. Whence, gaps and unresolved controversies in the current knowledge base are identified. Expositions on future work, based on the foregoing observations as well as uncharted topics, are presented.