Distal locking of femoral nails under direct vision through a cortical window

Tibia Nailing Without C-Arm Guidance: Challenges and Successes

Purpose

There are increased trends in the last two to three decades to operate tibia fractures to ensure acceptable reduction over long period of time and to ensure early mobilization and return to work. This leads to frequent use of C-arm to perform the procedures. The purpose of our study is to reduce the exposure of radiation to the patient and healthcare workers during closed nailing of fractures.

Methods and materials

This is an institute-based retrospective cohort study. Patients operated with tibia interlocking nailing between November 2016 and November 2018 were shortlisted from the OT records. Seventy-six patients were shortlisted and their clinical records were retrieved. Fifty-eight patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. 28 patients had Tibia interlocking nailing done without using C-arm and 30 patients had tibia interlocking nailing done under C-arm guidance. IBM SPSS software was used to compare data between the groups using Chi-square test and Independent T-test with a 95% confidence interval to determine the significance.

Results

All the patients progressed to the union by six months of surgery. Average blood loss, Infection rates and time to union in both the groups were comparable. Though the average duration of surgery was significantly higher in non-C-arm group as compared to with C arm group, when the duration of individual surgeries was analysed and plotted sequentially on a chart, we found it was comparable in later cases.

Conclusions

With adequate practice, tibial nailing without C-arm is easy, requires minimal manpower, equipment and can also prove to be a lifesaver in case of equipment failure.

Biomechanical Consequences of Nail Insertion Point and Anterior Cortical Perforation for Antegrade Femoral Nailing

This biomechanical study assessed the influence of changing antegrade cephalomedullary nail insertion point from anterior to neutral to posterior locations relative to the tip of the greater trochanter with or without anterior cortical perforation in the distal femur. Artificial osteoporotic femurs and cephalomedullary nails were used to create 5 test groups each with 8 specimens: intact femur without a nail or perforation, anterior nail insertion point without perforation, neutral nail insertion point without perforation, posterior nail insertion point without perforation, and posterior nail insertion point with perforation. Nondestructive biomechanical tests were done at 250 N in axial, coronal 3-point bending, sagittal 3-point bending, and torsional loading in order to measure overall stiffness and bone stress. The intact femur group vs. all femur/nail groups had lower stiffness in all loading modes (p ≤ 0.018), as well as higher bone stress in the proximal femur (p ≤ 0.027) but not in the distal femur above the perforation (p = 0.096). Compared to each other, femur/nail groups only showed differences in sagittal 3-point bending stiffness for anterior and neutral vs. posterior nail insertion points without (p ≤ 0.025) and with perforation (p ≤ 0.047). Although it did not achieve statistical significance (p ≥ 0.096), moving the nail insertion point from anterior to neutral to posterior to posterior with perforation did gradually increase bone stress by 45% (proximal femur) and 46% (distal femur). No femur or hardware failures occurred. Moving the nail insertion point and the presence of a perforation had little effect on stiffness, but the increased bone stress may be important as a predictor of fracture. Based on current bone stress results, surgeons should use anterior or neutral nail insertion points to reduce the risk of anterior cortical perforation.

Radiation-Independent Distal Locking Screw Insertion using Dual Nail Insertion Handle: Is It a Reliable Method?

Background

There are continuous trials to get radiation-independent distal locking to avoid the hazards of radiation exposure.

Patients and Methods

Thirty cases of diaphyseal tibial fractures were fixed with locked intramedullary nail. A new dual nail insertion handle was used for insertion of the locking screws from distal to proximal position.

Results

Success rate was much improved with extra reaming. Failure rate was 20%.

Conclusion

This technique is not reliable enough to replace the classic radiation-dependent free-hand technique. Further development of this idea is needed to get a perfect radiation-independent distal locking technique.

Fluoroscopic freehand and electromagnetic-guided targeting system for distal locking screws of humeral intramedullary nail

PURPOSE

The current techniques used to lock distal screws for the nailing of long bone fractures expose the surgeons, radiologists and patients to a hearty dose of ionizing radiation. The Sureshot™ Distal Targeting System is a new technique that, with the same results, allows for shorter surgery times and, consequently, less exposure to radiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was performed on 59 patients (34 males and 25 females) with a simple humerus fracture diagnosis, type 1.2.A according to the AO classification, who were divided into two groups. Group 1 was treated with ante-grade intramedullary nailing with distal locking screws inserted with a freehand technique. Group 2 was treated with the intramedullary nail using the Sureshot™ Distal Targeting System. Two intra-operative time parameters were evaluated in both groups: the time needed for the positioning of the distal locking screws and the time of exposure to ionizing radiations during this procedure.

RESULTS

Group 2 showed a lower average distal locking time compared to group 1 (645.48″ vs. 1023.57″) and also a lower average time of exposure to ionizing radiation than in group 1 (4.35″ vs. 28.96″).

CONCLUSION

The Sureshot™ Distal Targeting System has proven to be equally effective when compared to the traditional techniques, with the added benefits of a significant reduction in both surgical time and risk factors related to the exposure to ionizing radiation for all the operating room staff and the patient.

Distal targeting device for long Gamma nail(®). Monocentric observational study

INTRODUCTION

Intramedullary nail distal locking screws make it possible to control length and rotation but include an increased risk of radiation exposure. A distal targeting device was recently developed for long Gamma(®) nails (Stryker(®)). The aim of this practical observational study was to evaluate the reliability of this system. Our hypothesis was that the targeting device would be systematically used without conversion or complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All of the long Gamma(®) nails implanted between November 2011 and October 2012 were recorded: 91 nails (59W/32M, mean age 73.5years old) for 68 traumatic fractures, 14 preventive nailings and nine pathological fractures. A junior surgeon performed the procedure in 45 cases and a senior in 46 cases. The number of times the device was used, the difficulties and complications encountered, the duration of fluoroscopy and the dose of radiation were noted. Risk factors were looked for.

RESULTS

The targeting device was used 79 times (the surgeon chose not to use it 11 times, and it was not available in one case). There was a measurement error in one case, therefore 78 nails could be evaluated. Three wrong positions of the distal locking screw occurred. No statistically significant risk factors were identified. Distal locking screw corresponded to 18% of the entire procedure at a radiation dose of 7.44% (this was higher with titanium nails and pathological fractures). Total fluoroscopy time was longer with junior than with senior surgeons but the dose and duration for distal locking were not different.

DISCUSSION

The hypothesis was not confirmed. The device was not systematically used and the risk of complications was not null. No risk factors were identified. The distal locking screw is a difficult step but the use of the targeting device can limit the dose of radiation. This device is effective and allows young surgeons to perform distal locking without increasing the dose of radiation compared to senior surgeons.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, cohort study, observational prospective follow-up.

Radiation-free distal locking of intramedullary nails: evaluation of a new electromagnetic computer-assisted guidance system

Distal locking of intramedullary nails (IMNs) is a difficult part of intramedullary nailing (IMN) that could be time-consuming and expose the surgeon, the surgery personnel and the patient to a considerable amount of radiation as fluoroscopy is usually guiding the procedure. Utilization of electromagnetic fields for that purpose offers an attractive alternative. The SURESHOT™ Distal Targeting System (Smith & Nephew, Inc., Memphis, TN, USA) is a novel commercially available radiation-free aiming system that utilizes computerized electromagnetic field tracking technology for the distal locking of IMNs. In order to evaluate the efficacy of the system we conducted the present study. Nineteen patients (six females-thirteen males, mean age 39.5 years, range 17-85 years) with closed diaphyseal fracture of the femur (eight patients) or the tibia (eleven patients) were treated with IMN using the SURESHOT™ Distal Targeting System for the distal interlocking. All targeting attempts were successful at first try and followed by correct positioning of the screws. Mean time for distal locking of tibial IMNs (two screws) was 219sec (range 200-250sec). Mean time for distal locking of femoral IMNs (two screws) was 249 (range 220-330sec). In the current study the SURESHOT™ Distal Targeting System proved to be accurate, fast and easy to learn.

Distal locking of femoral nails: evaluation of a new radiation-independent targeting system

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a novel radiation-independent aiming device for distal locking of intramedullary nails in a human cadaver model.

METHODS

A new targeting system was used in 25 intact human cadaver femora for the distal locking procedure after insertion of an intramedullary nail. The number of successful screw placements and the time needed for this locking procedure were recorded. The accuracy of the aiming process was evaluated by computed tomography.

RESULTS

The duration of the distal locking process was 8.0 ± 1.8 minutes (mean ± SD; range, 4-11 minutes). None of the screw placements required fluoroscopic guidance. Computed tomography revealed high accuracy of the locking process. The incidence angle (α) of the locking screws through the distal locking holes of the nail was 86.8° ± 5.0° (mean ± SD; range, 80°-96°). Targeting failed in 1 static locking screw because of a material defect in the drilling sleeve.

CONCLUSIONS

This cadaver study indicated that an aiming arm-based targeting device is highly reliable and accurate. The promising results suggest that it will help to decrease radiation exposure compared with the traditional "free-hand technique."

Management of maternofetal emergency in shock with fracture of femur

Trauma is the leading nonobstetric cause of maternal death. The worst complication can be fetal compromise that threatens premature labor or even fetal death. We are reporting a case of a 30-year-old primi, short stature woman who had fracture femur with hypovolaemic shock. Managing such trauma complicated by shock in a pregnant patient needs multidisciplinary approach. Clinician team evaluating and coordinating the care of pregnant trauma patient should understand the pathophysiological changes in pregnancy with trauma to manage hypovolaemic shock, related complications, treatment of fracture, and radiation exposure to the fetus. The use of imaging studies, invasive hemodynamics and surgery, if necessary, should be individualized. A clear understanding of fetal viability, physiological changes of pregnancy, and pathophysiology of shock, is mandatory for optimal, maternal functional, and obstetrical outcome.

Open interlocked nailing without a targeting device or X-ray guidance for non-union of the femur: a case series

From October 2005 to August 2007, we operated on six patients who had femoral non-unions and performed interlocked intramedullary nailing without X-ray guidance or a targeting device. There were three fractures of the distal femur, two fractures of the mid-shaft and one of the proximal femur. Fatigue failure of a non-interlocked Kuntscher nail and one nail migration were the presenting features in two patients. The presence of sclerosis of the bone ends in four cases and a need for cancellous bone grafts at the site of non-union in all patients made wide dissection and open reduction unavoidable. There was a limb length discrepancy in all patients before surgical intervention. Partial weight bearing was commenced at 6 weeks post-operation. There was no case of wound infection. There was no misplaced screw. Minimum range of knee flexion was 105° at 2 months post-operation. These early results call for a closer look at this cheap, safe and effective means of handling femoral non-union in third world societies where there is paucity of instrumentation and implants for interlocked nailing.

Nail over nail technique for distal locking of femoral intramedullary nails

The free hand technique remains the most popular method for distal locking; however, radiation exposure is a major concern. In an endeavour to overcome this concern, distal locking with the nail over nail technique is evaluated. Seventy patients with femoral diaphyseal fractures treated by intramedullary nailing were divided in two groups for distal locking: either using the free hand technique (group I) or with the nail over nail technique (group II). The average number of images taken to achieve nail insertion without locking, for distal locking, and for the complete procedure in group I was 25.8, 24.2, and 50.08, respectively, compared with 24.8, 4.1, and 28.9, respectively, in group II (statistically extremely significant decrease in radiation). The nail over nail technique appears to be a reliable solution for decreasing radiation exposure during closed femoral intramedullary nailing. However, over-reaming of 1.5 mm is the key to the success of the technique.

Targeting device for intramedullary nails: a new high-stable mechanical guide

One of the most demanding steps of an intramedullary nailing is the distal locking. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinically and prospectively a new targeting guide. Twenty-five patients were treated consecutively in two different trauma centres (level one and one general hospital) by two different surgeons who were instructed on using the new device. Reduction of the fracture, intramedullary nailing and proximal locking are performed according to standard procedures. Then the new targeting device is used for distal locking. Evaluations are focused on the time it takes to perform the distal locking, the duration of the irradiation exposure and the duration of the complete procedure. In terms of duration, our results are comparable to those reported in the literature but this new device has more advantages than any other system. This new device is fully mechanical and is solidly linked to the patient. It can be used with any existing radioscopic equipment in any hospital. The guide is manually adjustable out of the X-ray field avoiding the surgeon being irradiated. The procedure is easy to learn and reproducible.

Literature review of current techniques for the insertion of distal screws into intramedullary locking nails

The procedure for distal interlocking of intramedullary nails can be difficult and time consuming. Following nail insertion, the problems associated with the location of the distal holes and correct screw placements are well known. Numerous techniques and devices have been proposed to aid distal targeting, in attempts to overcome some of the associated problems. The development of the techniques and devices continues. A review of the literature is therefore timely, in order to provide awareness of the current situation. An overview is presented of the various distal targeting methods reported in the literature.

Distal intramedullary nail interlocking: the flag and grid technique

Distal interlocking in intramedullary nailing of long bone fractures accounts for a significant proportion of the total fluoroscopy and operative time. We describe a modification of the "perfect circles" freehand technique employing a metallic grid temporarily attached to the skin of the lateral surface of the femur or to the medial surface of the tibia that acts as a fixed "navigational" aid. The position of the distal nail holes in relation to the grid is fluoroscopically ascertained. Subsequently, under fluoroscopic control, a modified Steinmann pin with a metallic handle attached to its blunt end ("flag") is used to accomplish targeting and to create the screw holes, affording improved visualization. This technique was compared with the traditional freehand technique in 2 groups of patients. Use of the modified technique led to reduction of radiation exposure and total distal interlocking time, and there were no significant complications related to the technique.