Effect of Nail Size, Insertion, and Δ Canal-Nail on the Development of a Nonunion After Intramedullary Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures

Conclusion: Similar healing rates occurred regardless of IMN diameter, Δ canal-nail diameter after reaming, or insertion site. This indicates that a closed section, cannulated, interlocked, titanium alloy IMN with a diameter of 10 mm can be considered the standard diameter for the treatment of acute femoral shaft fractures, regardless of entry point. This should be associated with less reaming and therefore shorter operative times, and possibly less hospital implant inventories as well. Larger diameter IMN should be reserved for revision surgery. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Article Source Type: research