STEREO FLUOROSCOPY-ASSISTED DISTAL INTERLOCKING OF INTRAMEDULLARY NAILS

A simulation study of distal interlocking of an intramedullary nail wa s performed using newly devised, portable stereo fluoroscopy. Two intr amedullary nails in which ten holes were drilled perpendicular to the long axis and at various angles to the diameter were inserted into a f emoral and a tibial bone model. Ten drill bits were drilled freehand i nto the holes in the nail with the aid of the stereo fluoroscope. All twenty drill bits were seated in the holes in the first attempt. This instrument provides a three-dimensional view in real time, which enabl es the surgeon to appreciate the three-dimensional relationship betwee n the drill bit and the hole in the nail in the bone model. Distal int erlocking of the intramedullary nail is facilitated with the aid of th is stereo fluoroscope.