COMPLICATIONS OF INTERLOCKING NAILING TECHNIQUE AND ITS PREVENTION

Interlocking nailing technique offers a wide variaty of indications wh ich are associated with an increased risk of complications. A consecut ive series of 208 cases were analyzed and possible complications, how to avoid them and recommendations for treatment are given. The complic ations were divided into common complications - like infection, pseuda rthrosis, malrotation, compartment-syndrome, disorders of the arterial and venous system, neurological deficts and fat embolism - as well as into specific complications - like malreduction of the fracture, malp ositioning of the guide wire, splitting fragments and problems with na il insertion and with the locking bolts. There was a 8,7 % common comp lication rate. Specific complications occurred intraoperatively in 3,5 % and postoperatively in 11 % of call cases. This seems to be a high rate which is decreasing by progressive experience of the surgeon. In many cases of shaft fractures interlocking nailing technique is the me thod of choice.