U. Knothe et al., Development and testing of a new self-locking intramedullary nail system: testing of handling aspects and mechanical properties, INJURY, 31(8), 2000, pp. 617-626
Citations number
26
Categorie Soggetti
Aneshtesia & Intensive Care
Journal title
INJURY-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THE CARE OF THE INJURED
A distal interlocking system has been developed which is easy to use, carri
es out an aligning effect on the distal fracture fragment, reduces the expo
sure to radiation for the surgeon and the patient, and allows for a decreas
e in operating time. The goal of this study was to develop and test the han
dling and mechanical properties of two prototype nails in comparison to a c
onventional interlocking nail concept (Unreamed Femoral Nail(R) system). It
was shown that the prototype designs represent an improvement over this sy
stem. Both designs were easy to use. The prototype with the asymmetrically
offset interlocking bolts exhibited an exemplary aligning effect on the dis
tal fracture fragment. Both designs showed mechanical stability comparable
or superior to that of the standard contralateral control in four-point-ben
ding and axial compression. Given the handling advantages afforded by the n
ew self-locking intramedullary implant system, it would be expected that us
e of this system would reduce exposure to radiation for the surgeon as well
as the patient and allow for a decrease in operating time. This new develo
pment may be of particular interest for clinics without access to fluorosco
pes in the operating theatre (e.g. in the Third World). (C) 2000 Elsevier S
cience Ltd. All rights reserved.