Aims. The fundamental concept of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures has not changed appreciably since the 1960s and, whilst widely used, is associated with complications including wound dehiscence and infection, prominent hardware and failure. Closed reduction and intramedullary fixation (CRIF) using a fibular nail, wires or screws is biomechanically stronger, requires minimal incisions, and has low-profile hardware. We hypothesised that fibular nailing in the elderly would have similar functional outcomes to standard fixation, with a reduced rate of wound and hardware problems. Patients and Methods. A total of 100 patients (25 men, 75 women) over the age of 65 years with unstable ankle fractures were randomised to undergo standard ORIF or fibular nailing (11 men and 39 women in the ORIF group, 14 men and 36 women in the fibular nail group). The mean age was 74 years (65 to 93) and all patients had at least one medical comorbidity. Complications, patient related outcome measures and cost-effectiveness were assessed over 12 months. Results. Significantly fewer wound infections occurred in the fibular nail group (p = 0.002). At one year, there was no evidence of difference in mean functional scores (Olerud and Molander Scores 63; 30 to 85, versus 61; 10 to 35, p = 0.61) or scar satisfaction. The overall cost of treatment in the fibular nail group was £91 less than in the ORIF group despite the higher initial cost of the implant. Conclusion. We conclude that the fibular nail allows accurate reduction and secure fixation of ankle fractures, with a significantly lower rate of soft-tissue complications, and is more cost-effective than ORIF. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1248–52

Aims. Limb-lengthening nails have largely replaced external fixation in limb-lengthening and reconstructive surgery. However, the adverse events and high prevalence of radiological changes recently noted with the STRYDE lengthening nail have raised concerns about the use of internal lengthening nails. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of radiological bone abnormalities between STRYDE, PRECICE, and FITBONE nails prior to nail removal. Methods. This was a retrospective case series from three centres. Patients were included if they had either of the three limb-lengthening nails (STYDE, PRECICE, or FITBONE) removed. Standard orthogonal radiographs immediately prior to nail removal were examined for bone abnormalities at the junction of the telescoping nail parts. Results. In total, 306 patients (168 male, 138 female) had 366 limb-lengthening nails removed. The mean time from nail insertion to radiological evaluation was 434 days (36 to 3,015). Overall, 77% of STRYDE nails (20/26) had bone abnormalities at the interface compared with only 2% of FITBONE (4/242) and 1% of PRECICE nails (1/98; p < 0.001). Focal osteolysis in conjunction with periosteal reaction at the telescoping interface was only observed in STRYDE nails. Conclusion. Bone abnormalities at the interface of telescoping nail parts were seen in the majority of STRYDE nails, but only very rarely with FITBONE or PRECICE nails. We conclude that the low prevalence of radiological changes at the junctional interface of 242 FITBONE and 98 PRECICE nails at the time of nail removal does not warrant clinical concerns. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(11):1731–1735

Aims. Distraction osteogenesis with intramedullary lengthening devices has undergone rapid development in the past decade with implant enhancement. In this first single-centre matched-pair analysis we focus on the comparison of treatment with the PRECICE and STRYDE intramedullary lengthening devices and aim to clarify any clinical and radiological differences. Methods. A single-centre 2:1 matched-pair retrospective analysis of 42 patients treated with the STRYDE and 82 patients treated with the PRECICE nail between May 2013 and November 2020 was conducted. Clinical and lengthening parameters were compared while focusing radiological assessment on osseous alterations related to the nail’s telescopic junction and locking bolts at four different stages. Results. Osteolysis next to the telescopic junction was observed in 31/48 segments (65%) lengthened with the STRYDE nail before implant removal compared to 1/91 segment (1%) in the PRECICE cohort. In the STRYDE cohort, osteolysis initially increased, but decreased or resolved in almost all lengthened segments (86%) after implant removal. Implant failure was observed in 9/48 STRYDE (19%) and in 8/92 PRECICE nails (9%). Breakage of the distal locking bolts was found in 5/48 STRYDE nails (10%) compared to none in the PRECICE cohort. Treatment-associated pain was generally recorded as mild and found in 30/48 patients (63%) and 39/92 (42%) in the STRYDE and PRECICE cohorts, respectively. Temporary range of motion (ROM) limitations under distraction were registered in 17/48 (35%) segments treated with the STRYDE and 35/92 segments (38%) treated with the PRECICE nail. Conclusion. Osteolysis and periosteal reaction, implant breakage, and pain during lengthening and consolidation is more likely in patients treated with the STRYDE nail compared to the PRECICE nail. Temporary ROM limitations during lengthening occurred independent of the applied device. Implant-related osseous alterations seem to remodel after implant removal. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):88–96

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes and the complication rate after nail and plate fixation of unstable fractures of the ankle in elderly patients. Methods. In this multicentre study, 120 patients aged ≥ 60 years with an acute unstable AO/OTA type 44-B fracture of the ankle were randomized to fixation with either a nail or a plate and followed for 24 months after surgery. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score. Secondary outcome measures were the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire, the Olerud and Molander Ankle score, the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, a visual analogue score for pain, complications, the quality of reduction of the fracture, nonunion, and the development of osteoarthritis. Results. At 24 months, the median AOFAS score was equivalent in the two groups (nail 90 (interquartile range (IQR) 82 to 100), plate 95 (IQR 87 to 100), p = 0.478). There were statistically more complications and secondary operations after nail than plate fixation (p = 0.024 and p = 0.028, respectively). There were no other significant differences in the outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion. The functional outcome after nail and plate fixation was equivalent; however, the complication rate and number of secondary operations was significantly higher after nail fixation. These results suggest that plate fixation should usually be the treatment of choice for unstable ankle fractures in the elderly. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):72–81

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that predict implant cut-out after cephalomedullary nailing of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric hip fractures, and to test the significance of calcar referenced tip-apex distance (CalTAD) as a predictor for cut-out. We retrospectively reviewed 170 consecutive fractures that had undergone cephalomedullary nailing. Of these, 77 met the inclusion criteria of a non-pathological fracture with a minimum of 80 days radiological follow-up (mean 408 days; 81 days to 4.9 years). The overall cut-out rate was 13% (10/77). The significant parameters in the univariate analysis were tip-apex distance (TAD) (p <  0.001), CalTAD (p = 0.001), cervical angle difference (p = 0.004), and lag screw placement in the anteroposterior (AP) view (Parker’s ratio index) (p = 0.003). Non-significant parameters were age (p = 0.325), gender (p = 1.000), fracture side (p = 0.507), fracture type (AO classification) (p = 0.381), Singh Osteoporosis Index (p = 0.575), lag screw placement in the lateral view (p = 0.123), and reduction quality (modified Baumgaertner’s method) (p = 0.575). In the multivariate analysis, CalTAD was the only significant measurement (p = 0.001). CalTAD had almost perfect inter-observer reliability (interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.901). Our data provide the first reported clinical evidence that CalTAD is a predictor of cut-out. The finding of CalTAD as the only significant parameter in the multivariate analysis, along with the univariate significance of Parker’s ratio index in the AP view, suggest that inferior placement of the lag screw is preferable to reduce the rate of cut-out. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1029–34

Aims. The STRYDE nail is an evolution of the PRECICE Intramedullary Limb Lengthening System, with unique features regarding its composition. It is designed for load bearing throughout treatment in order to improve patient experience and outcomes and allow for simultaneous bilateral lower limb lengthening. The literature published to date is limited regarding outcomes and potential problems. We report on our early experience and raise awareness for the potential of adverse effects from this device. Methods. This is a retrospective review of prospective data collected on all patients treated in our institution using this implant. We report the demographics, nail accuracy, reliability, consolidation index, and cases where concerning clinical and radiological findings were encountered. There were 14 STRYDE nails implanted in nine patients (three male and six female) between June 2019 and September 2020. Mean age at surgery was 33 years (14 to 65). Five patients underwent bilateral lengthening (two femoral and three tibial) and four patients unilateral femoral lengthening for multiple aetiologies. Results. At the time of reporting, eight patients (13 implants) had completed lengthening. Osteolysis and periosteal reaction at the junction of the telescopic nail was evident in nine implants. Five patients experienced localized pain and swelling. Macroscopic appearances following retrieval were consistent with corrosion at the telescopic junction. Tissue histology was consistent with effects of focal metallic wear debris. Conclusion. From our early experience with this implant we have found the process of lengthening to be accurate and reliable with good regenerate formation and consolidation. Proposed advantages of early load bearing and the ability for bilateral lengthening are promising. We have, however, encountered concerning clinical and radiological findings in several patients. We have elected to discontinue its use to allow further investigation into the retrieved implants and patient outcomes from users internationally. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1168–1172

Aims. As an alternative to external fixators, intramedullary lengthening nails (ILNs) can be employed for distraction osteogenesis. While previous studies have demonstrated that typical complications of external devices, such as soft-tissue tethering, and pin site infection can be avoided with ILNs, there is a lack of studies that exclusively investigated tibial distraction osteogenesis with motorized ILNs inserted via an antegrade approach. Methods. A total of 58 patients (median age 17 years (interquartile range (IQR) 15 to 21)) treated by unilateral tibial distraction osteogenesis for a median leg length discrepancy of 41 mm (IQR 34 to 53), and nine patients with disproportionate short stature treated by bilateral simultaneous tibial distraction osteogenesis, with magnetically controlled motorized ILNs inserted via an antegrade approach, were retrospectively analyzed. The median follow-up was 37 months (IQR 30 to 51). Outcome measurements were accuracy, precision, reliability, bone healing, complications, and patient-reported outcome assessed by the Limb Deformity-Scoliosis Research Society Score (LD-SRS-30). Results. A median tibial distraction of 44 mm (IQR 31 to 49) was achieved with a mean distraction index of 0.5 mm/day (standard deviation 0.13) and median consolidation index of 41.2 days/cm (IQR 34 to 51). Accuracy, precision, and reliability were 91%, 92%, and 97%, respectively. New temporary range of motion limitations occurred in 51% of segments (34/67). Distraction-related equinus deformity treated by Achilles tendon lengthening was the most common major complication recorded in 16% of segments (11/67). In 95% of patients (55/58) the distraction goal was achieved with 42% unplanned additional interventions per segment (28/67). The median postoperative LD-SRS-30 score was 4.0 (IQR 3.6 to 4.3). Conclusion. Tibial distraction osteogenesis using motorized ILNs inserted via an antegrade approach appears to be a reliable and precise procedure. Temporary joint stiffness of the knee or ankle should be expected in up to every second patient. A high rate and wide range of complications of variable severity should be anticipated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):293–302

Aims. Double-level lengthening, bone transport, and bifocal compression-distraction are commonly undertaken using Ilizarov or other fixators. We performed double-level fixator-assisted nailing, mainly for the correction of deformity and lengthening in the same segment, using a straight intramedullary nail to reduce the time in a fixator. Patients and Methods. A total of 23 patients underwent this surgery, involving 27 segments (23 femora and four tibiae), over a period of ten years. The most common indication was polio in ten segments and rickets in eight; 20 nails were inserted retrograde and seven antegrade. A total of 15 lengthenings were performed in 11 femora and four tibiae, and 12 double-level corrections of deformity without lengthening were performed in the femur. The mean follow-up was 4.9 years (1.1 to 11.4). Four patients with polio had tibial lengthening with arthrodesis of the ankle. We compared the length of time in a fixator and the external fixation index (EFI) with a control group of 27 patients (27 segments) who had double-level procedures with external fixation. The groups were matched for the gain in length, age, and level of difficulty score. Results. The mean gain in length was statistically similar in the two groups: 3.9 cm (1.5 to 9.0) in the study group and 4.2 cm (3.4 to 5.0) in the control group (p = 0.350). The mean time in a fixator was significantly less in the study group compared with the control group: 8.6 weeks (2.0 to 22.8) versus 30.2 weeks (25.0 to 35.4; p < 0.001). The mean EFI was significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group: 17.7 days/cm (10.6 to 35.6) versus 73.4 days/cm (44.5 to 102.3; p < 0.001). The ASAMI (Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov) bone score was excellent in 22, good in four, and fair in one. The ASAMI functional score was excellent in 20 and good in seven. There were no infections, superficial or deep. Conclusion. Double-level osteotomies or two procedures using a custom-made straight nail and external fixation can be used to correct deformities or to treat nonunion or malunion and may be combined with arthrodesis of the ankle with lengthening. It is a reasonably safe procedure that allows accurate and cost-effective treatment with a relatively short time in a fixator

Aims. The management of a significant bony defect following excision of a diaphyseal atrophic femoral nonunion remains a challenge. We present the outcomes using a combined technique of acute femoral shortening, stabilized with a long retrograde intramedullary nail, accompanied by bifocal osteotomy compression and distraction osteogenesis with a temporary monolateral fixator. Patients and Methods. Eight men and two women underwent the ‘rail and nail’ technique between 2008 and 2016. Proximal locking of the nail and removal of the external fixator was undertaken once the length of the femur had been restored and prior to full consolidation of the regenerate. Results. The mean lengthening was 7 cm (3 to 11). The external fixator was removed at a mean of 127 days (57 to 220). The mean bone healing index was 28 days/cm and the mean external fixation index was 20 days/cm (11 to 18). There were no superficial or deep infections. Conclusion. This small retrospective study shows encouraging results for a combined technique, enabling compression of the femoral osteotomy, alignment, and controlled lengthening. Removal of the fixator and proximal locking of the nail reduces the risk of complications and stabilizes the femur with the maximum working length of the nail. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:634–9

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the failure of exchange nailing in nonunion of tibial diaphyseal fractures. . Patients and Methods. A cohort of 102 tibial diaphyseal nonunions in 101 patients with a mean age of 36.9 years (15 to 74) were treated between January 1992 and December 2012 by exchange nailing. Of which 33 (32%) were initially open injuries. The median time from primary fixation to exchange nailing was 6.5 months (interquartile range (IQR) 4.3 to 9.8 months). . The main outcome measures were union, number of secondary fixation procedures required to achieve union and time to union. . Univariate analysis and multiple regression were used to identify risk factors for failure to achieve union. . Results. Multiple causes for the primary nonunion were found for 28 (27%) tibiae, with infection present in 32 (31%). Six patients were lost to follow-up. Further surgical procedures were required in 35 (36%) nonunions. Other fixation modalities were required in five fractures. A single nail exchange procedure achieved union in 60/96 (63%) of all nonunions. Only 11 out of 31 infected nonunions (35.4%) healed after one exchange nail procedure. Up to five repeated exchange nailings, with or without bone grafting, ultimately achieved union in 89 (93%) fractures. The median time to union after exchange nailing was 8.7 months (IQR 5.7 to 14.0 months). Univariate analysis confirmed that an oligotrophic/atrophic pattern of nonunion (p = 0.002), a bone gap of 5 mm or more (p = 0.04) and infection (p < 0.001), were predictive for failure of exchange nailing Multiple regression analysis found that infection was the strongest predictor of failure (p < 0.001). . Conclusion. Exchange nailing is an effective treatment for aseptic tibial diaphyseal nonunion. However, in the presence of severe infection with a highly resistant organism, or extensive sclerosis of the bone, other fixation modalities, such as Ilizarov treatment, should be considered. Take home message: Exchange nailing is an effective treatment for aseptic tibial diaphyseal nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:534–41

Any operation involving the implantation of a foreign body increases the risk of infection. The implant material and its surface, the dead space, and any necrosis or vascular changes play a significant role in susceptibility to infection. We investigated the effect of the dead space in an intramedullary nail on the rate of local infection. We inoculated the intramedullary cavities of rabbit tibiae with various concentrations of a human pathogen, of Staphylococcus aureus strain, and then inserted either a solid or a hollow slotted stainless-steel nail. We found a significantly higher rate of infection after use of the slotted nail (59%) than after the solid nail (27%) (p < 0.05)

Aims. To compare the outcomes for trochanteric fractures treated with a sliding hip screw (SHS) or a cephalomedullary nail. Patients and Methods. A total of 400 patients with a trochanteric hip fracture were randomised to receive a SHS or a cephalomedullary nail (Targon PFT). All surviving patients were followed up to one year from injury. Functional outcome was assessed by a research nurse blinded to the implant used. Results. Recovery of mobility, as assessed by a mobility scale, was superior for those treated with the intramedullary nail compared with the SHS at eight weeks, three and nine months (p-values between 0.01 and 0.04), the difference at six and 12 months was not statistically significant (p = 0.15 and p = 0.18 respectively). The mean difference was around 0.4 points (0.3 to 0.5) on a nine point scale. Surgical time for the nail was four minutes less than that for the SHS (p < 0.001). Fracture healing complications were similar for the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences between implants for any other recorded outcomes including the need for post-operative blood transfusion, wound healing complications, general medical complications, hospital stay or mortality. Conclusion. This study confirms the findings of a previous study that both methods of treatment produce similar results, although intramedullary fixation does result in marginally improved regain of mobility in comparison with the SHS. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1210–15

We compared the outcome of patients treated for an intertrochanteric fracture of the femoral neck with a locked, long intramedullary nail with those treated with a dynamic hip screw (DHS) in a prospective randomised study. Each patient who presented with an extra-capsular hip fracture was randomised to operative stabilisation with either a long intramedullary Holland nail or a DHS. We treated 92 patients with a Holland nail and 98 with a DHS. Pre-operative variables included the Mini Mental test score, patient mobility, fracture pattern and American Society of Anesthesiologists grading. Peri-operative variables were anaesthetic time, operating time, radiation time and blood loss. Post-operative variables were time to mobilising with a frame, wound infection, time to discharge, time to fracture union, and mortality. We found no significant difference in the pre-operative variables. The mean anaesthetic and operation times were shorter in the DHS group than in the Holland nail group (29.7 vs 40.4 minutes, p < 0.001; and 40.3 vs 54 minutes, p < 0.001, respectively). There was an increased mean blood loss within the DHS group versus the Holland nail group (160 ml vs 78 ml, respectively, p < 0.001). The mean time to mobilisation with a frame was shorter in the Holland nail group (DHS 4.3 days, Holland nail 3.6 days, p = 0.012). More patients needed a post-operative blood transfusion in the DHS group (23 vs seven, p = 0.003) and the mean radiation time was shorter in this group (DHS 0.9 minutes vs Holland nail 1.56 minutes, p < 0.001). The screw of the DHS cut out in two patients, one of whom underwent revision to a Holland nail. There were no revisions in the Holland nail group. All fractures in both groups were united when followed up after one year. We conclude that the DHS can be implanted more quickly and with less exposure to radiation than the Holland nail. However, the resultant blood loss and need for transfusion is greater. The Holland nail allows patients to mobilise faster and to a greater extent. We have therefore adopted the Holland nail as our preferred method of treating intertrochanteric fractures of the hip

The Gamma nail is frequently used in unstable peri-trochanteric hip fractures. We hypothesised that mechanical failure of the Gamma nail was associated with inadequate proximal three-point fixation. We identified a consecutive series of 299 Gamma nails implanted in 299 patients over a five-year period, 223 of whom fulfilled our inclusion criteria for investigation. The series included 61 men and 162 women with a mean age of 81 years (20 to 101). Their fractures were classified according to the Modified Evans’ classification and the quality of fracture reduction was graded. The technical adequacy of three points of proximal fixation was recorded from intra-operative fluoroscopic images, and technical inadequacy for each point was defined. All patients were followed to final follow-up and mechanical failures were identified. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed, adjusting for confounders. A total of 16 failures (7.2%) were identified. The position of the lag screw relative to the lateral cortex was the most important point of proximal fixation, and when inadequate the failure rate was 25.8% (eight of 31: odds ratio 7.5 (95% confidence interval 2.5 to 22.7), p < 0.001). Mechanical failure of the Gamma nail in peri-trochanteric femoral fractures is rare (< 1%) when three-point proximal fixation is achieved. However, when proximal fixation is inadequate, failure rates increase. The strongest predictor of failure is positioning the lateral end of the lag screw short of the lateral cortex. Adherence to simple technical points minimises the risk of fixation failure in this vulnerable patient group. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:825–30

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of anterior knee pain after antegrade tibial nailing using suprapatellar and infrapatellar surgical approaches. Patients and Methods. A total of 95 patients with a tibial fracture requiring an intramedullary nail were randomized to treatment using a supra- or infrapatellar approach. Anterior knee pain was assessed at four and six months, and one year postoperatively, using the Aberdeen Weightbearing Test – Knee (AWT-K) score and a visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain. The AWT-K is an objective patient-reported outcome measure that uses weight transmitted through the knee when kneeling as a surrogate for anterior knee pain. Results. A total of 53 patients were randomized to a suprapatellar approach and 42 to an infrapatellar approach. AWT-K results showed a greater mean proportion of weight transmitted through the injured leg compared with the uninjured leg when kneeling in the suprapatellar group compared with the infrapatellar group at all timepoints at all follow-up visits. This reached significance at four months for all timepoints except 30 seconds. It also reached significance at six months at 0 seconds, and for one year at 60 seconds. Conclusion. The suprapatellar surgical approach for antegrade tibial nailing is associated with less anterior knee pain postoperatively compared with the infrapatellar approach. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1138–1143

We investigated a new intramedullary locking nail that allows the distal interlocking screws to be locked to the nail. We compared fixation using this new implant with fixation using either a conventional nail or a locking plate in a laboratory simulation of an osteoporotic fracture of the distal femur. A total of 15 human cadaver femora were used to simulate an AO 33-A3 fracture pattern. Paired specimens compared fixation using either a locking or non-locking retrograde nail, and using either a locking retrograde nail or a locking plate. The constructs underwent cyclical loading to simulate single-leg stance up to 125 000 cycles. Axial and torsional stiffness and displacement, cycles to failure and modes of failure were recorded for each specimen. When compared with locking plate constructs, locking nail constructs had significantly longer mean fatigue life (75 800 cycles (. sd. 33 900) vs 12 800 cycles (. sd. 6100); p = 0.007) and mean axial stiffness (220 N/mm (. sd. 80) vs 70 N/mm (. sd. 18); p = 0.005), but lower mean torsional stiffness (2.5 Nm/° (. sd. 0.9) vs 5.1 Nm/° (. sd. 1.5); p = 0.008). In addition, in the nail group the mode of failure was either cut-out of the distal screws or breakage of nails, and in the locking plate group breakage of the plate was always the mode of failure. Locking nail constructs had significantly longer mean fatigue life than non-locking nail constructs (78 900 cycles (. sd. 25 600) vs 52 400 cycles (. sd. 22 500); p = 0.04). The new locking retrograde femoral nail showed better stiffness and fatigue life than locking plates, and superior fatigue life to non-locking nails, which may be advantageous in elderly patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:114–21

End caps are intended to prevent nail migration (push-out) in elastic stable intramedullary nailing. The aim of this study was to investigate the force at failure with and without end caps, and whether different insertion angles of nails and end caps would alter that force at failure. Simulated oblique fractures of the diaphysis were created in 15 artificial paediatric femurs. Titanium Elastic Nails with end caps were inserted at angles of 45°, 55° and 65° in five specimens for each angle to create three study groups. Biomechanical testing was performed with axial compression until failure. An identical fracture was created in four small adult cadaveric femurs harvested from two donors (both female, aged 81 and 85 years, height 149 cm and 156 cm, respectively). All femurs were tested without and subsequently with end caps inserted at 45°. In the artificial femurs, maximum force was not significantly different between the three groups (p = 0.613). Push-out force was significantly higher in the cadaveric specimens with the use of end caps by an up to sixfold load increase (830 N, standard deviation (SD) 280 vs 150 N, SD 120, respectively; p = 0.007). These results indicate that the nail and end cap insertion angle can be varied within 20° without altering construct stability and that the risk of elastic stable intramedullary nailing push–out can be effectively reduced by the use of end caps. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:558–63

A single antegrade Rush nail was used to treat 37 fractures of the distal humerus extending to the olecranon fossa and up to 6.5 cm proximal to it. In order to stabilise the fracture, the bent tip of the Rush nail was directed into the lateral epicondylar ridge. This gave immediate stability. All the fractures united without residual stiffness of the shoulder or elbow

We treated 108 patients with a pertrochanteric femoral fracture using either the dynamic hip screw or the proximal femoral nail in this prospective, randomised series. We compared walking ability before fracture, intra-operative variables and return to their residence. Patients treated with the proximal femoral nail (n = 42) had regained their pre-operative walking ability significantly (p = 0.04) more often by the four-month review than those treated with the dynamic hip screw (n = 41). Peri-operative or immediate post-operative measures of outcome did not differ between the groups, with the exception of operation time. The dynamic hip screw allowed a significantly greater compression of the fracture during the four-month follow-up, but consolidation of the fracture was comparable between the two groups. Two major losses of reduction were observed in each group, resulting in a total of four revision operations. Our results suggest that the use of the proximal femoral nail may allow a faster postoperative restoration of walking ability, when compared with the dynamic hip screw

We examined the effect of the Gamma nail on strain distribution in the proximal femur, using ten cadaver femora instrumented with six unidirectional strain gauges along the medial and lateral cortices. The femora were loaded to 1800 N and strains were determined with or without distal interlocking screws before and after experimentally created two-part and four-part fractures. Motion of the sliding screw and the nail was also determined. Strain patterns and screw motion were compared with previously obtained values for a sliding hip screw device (SHS). The Gamma nail was shown to transmit decreasing load to the calcar with decreasing fracture stability, such that virtually no strain on the bone was seen in four-part fractures with the posteromedial fragment removed; increasing compression was noted, however, at the proximal lateral cortex. Conversely, the SHS showed increased calcar compression with decreasing fracture stability. The insertion of distal interlocking screws did not change the pattern of proximal femoral strain. The Gamma nail imparts non-physiological strains to the proximal femur, probably because of its inherent stiffness. These strains may alter bone remodelling and interfere with healing. Distal interlocking screws may not be necessary for stable intertrochanteric fractures

Knee arthrodesis is a potential salvage procedure for limb preservation after failure of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to infection. In this study, we evaluated the outcome of single-stage knee arthrodesis using an intramedullary cemented coupled nail without bone-on-bone fusion after failed and infected TKA with extensor mechanism deficiency. Between 2002 and 2012, 27 patients (ten female, 17 male; mean age 68.8 years; 52 to 87) were treated with septic single-stage exchange. Mean follow-up duration was 67.1months (24 to 143, n = 27) (minimum follow-up 24 months) and for patients with a minimum follow-up of five years 104.9 (65 to 143,; n = 13). A subjective patient evaluation (Short Form (SF)-36) was obtained, in addition to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The mean VAS score was 1.44 (SD 1.48). At final follow-up, four patients had recurrent infections after arthrodesis (14.8%). Of these, three patients were treated with a one-stage arthrodesis nail exchange; one of the three patients had an aseptic loosening with a third single-stage exchange, and one patient underwent knee amputation for uncontrolled sepsis at 108 months. All patients, including the amputee, indicated that they would choose arthrodesis again. Data indicate that a single-stage knee arthrodesis offers an acceptable salvage procedure after failed and infected TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:649–53

Aims. Cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) are commonly used for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be used as a salvage procedure when fixation fails in these patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the complications of THA following failed intertrochanteric hip fracture fixation using a CMN. Patients and Methods. Patients who underwent THA were identified from the 5% subset of Medicare Parts A/B between 2002 and 2015. A subgroup involving those with an intertrochanteric fracture that was treated using a CMN during the previous five years was identified and compared with the remaining patients who underwent THA. The length of stay (LOS) was compared using both univariate and multivariate analysis. The incidence of infection, dislocation, revision, and re-admission was compared between the two groups, using multivariate analysis adjusted for demographic, hospital, and clinical factors. Results. The Medicare data yielded 56 522 patients who underwent primary THA, of whom 369 had previously been treated with a CMN. The percentage of THAs that were undertaken between 2002 and 2005 in patients who had previously been treated with a CMN (0.346%) more than doubled between 2012 and 2015 (0.781%). The CMN group tended to be older and female, and to have a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index and lower socioeconomic status. The mean LOS was 1.5 days longer (5.3 vs 3.8) in the CMN group (p < 0.0001). The incidence of complications was significantly higher in the CMN group compared with the non-CMN group: infection (6.2% vs 2.6%), dislocation (8.1% vs 4.5%), revision (8.4% vs 4.3%), revision for infection (1.1% vs 0.37%), and revision for dislocation (2.2% vs 0.6%). Conclusion. The incidence of conversion to THA following failed intertrochanteric hip fracture fixation using a CMN continues to increase. This occurs in elderly patients with increased comorbidities. There is a significantly increased risk of infection, dislocation, and LOS in these patients. Patients with failed intertrochanteric hip fracture fixation using a CMN who require THA should be made aware of the increased risk of complications, and steps need to be taken to reduce this risk. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):91–96

Retrograde femoral nailing is gaining in popularity. We report a prospective, randomised comparison of antegrade and retrograde procedures in 68 patients with 69 fractures of the femoral shaft. All nails were inserted after appropriate reaming. There was no difference in operating time, blood loss, technical complications, size of nail or reamer, or transfusion requirements. There were more problems of length and rotation using a retrograde technique on a radiolucent table than with an antegrade approach on a fracture table. All fractures in both groups healed and there was no difference in the time taken to achieve union. Although retrograde nailing is a promising technique the skills required need practice. A longer period of follow-up is necessary to determine whether there are long-term problems in the knee after such surgery

It has been suggested that reamed intramedullary nailing of the femur should be avoided in some patients with multiple injuries. We have studied prospectively the effect of femoral reaming on the inflammatory process as implicated in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiple-organ failure (MOF). We studied changes in the levels of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) (proinflammatory cytokine), neutrophil CD11b (C3) receptor expression (activated neutrophil adhesion molecule), serum soluble intracellular adhesion molecule (s-ICAM-1), serum soluble E-selectin (the soluble products of endothelial adhesion molecules) and plasma elastase (neutrophil protease) in a series of patients with femoral fractures treated by nailing. We have also compared reamed nailing with unreamed nailing. We found that the levels of serum IL-6 and elastase rose significantly during the nailing procedure indicating a measurable ‘second hit’. There was no clear response in leukocyte activation and no difference in the release of endothelial adhesion molecule markers. There was no significant difference between groups treated by reamed and unreamed nailing. Although clinically unremarkable, the one patient who died from ARDS was shown to be hyperstimulated after injury and again after nailing, suggesting the importance of an excessive inflammatory reaction in the pathogenesis of these serious problems. Our findings have shown that there is a second hit associated with femoral nailing and suggest that the degree of the inflammatory reaction may be important in the pathogenesis of ARDS and MOF

Of 135 consecutive patients admitted with subtrochanteric fractures of the femur, 104 were studied; half had internal fixation with a Zickel nail and half had a nail-plate device. Fractures treated with a Zickel nail had significantly less blood loss during operation and took less time to walk with full weight-bearing, but the incidence of technical error at operation was higher. Errors included malalignment of the cross-pin, penetration of the femoral cortex and comminution of the greater trochanter. There was mechanical failure within one year of surgery in 17% of the nail-plate series but no implant failures in the Zickel nail group within the same period. The total time spent in hospital was similar in both groups. The Zickel nail provides better fixation for subtrochanteric fractures than a simple nail-plate but, because of technical difficulty, its use should be reserved for surgeons of reasonable experience

We report the results of using a combination of fixator-assisted nailing with lengthening over an intramedullary nail in patients with tibial deformity and shortening. Between 1997 and 2007, 13 tibiae in nine patients with a mean age of 25.4 years (17 to 34) were treated with a unilateral external fixator for acute correction of deformity, followed by lengthening over an intramedullary nail with a circular external fixator applied at the same operating session. At the end of the distraction period locking screws were inserted through the intramedullary nail and the external fixator was removed. The mean amount of lengthening was 5.9 cm (2 to 8). The mean time of external fixation was 90 days (38 to 265). The mean external fixation index was 15.8 days/cm (8.9 to 33.1) and the mean bone healing index was 38 days/cm (30 to 60). One patient developed an equinus deformity which responded to stretching and bracing. Another developed a drop foot due to a compartment syndrome, which was treated by fasciotomy. It recovered in three months. Two patients required bone grafting for poor callus formation. We conclude that the combination of fixator-assisted nailing with lengthening over an intramedullary nail can reduce the overall external fixation time and prevent fractures and deformity of the regenerated bone

Aim. Nail patella syndrome (NPS) is a skeletal dysplasia with patellofemoral dysfunction as a key symptom. We present the first in-depth radiological evaluation of the knee in a large series of NPS patients and describe the typical malformations. Patients and Methods. Conventional radiological examination of 95 skeletally mature patients with NPS was performed. Patellar morphology was classified according to the Wiberg classification as modified by Baumgartl and Ficat criteria, and trochlear shape was classified according to the Dejour classification. Results. Patellar aplasia was present in 4/90 (4%), and patellar hypoplasia in 77/90 (86%) of patients. The prevailing patellar shapes were type III, type IV and Hunter’s cap. No patellar shape genotype-phenotype association could be found. The malformations of the distal femur comprised shortening of the lateral femoral condyle in 46 out of 84 patients (55%), with a prominent anterior surface of the lateral femoral condyle in 47 out of 84 patients (56%) and a flat anterior surface of the medial femoral condyle in 78 out of 85 patients (92%). The trochlea was type A1 according to the Dejour classification in 79 out of 85 patients (93%). . Conclusion. An easily recognisable characteristic quartet of malformations consisting of patellar aplasiaor hypoplasia and the malformations of the distal femur was found in 22 out of 81 patients (27%), with the majority displaying at least three malformations. Take home message: The distinct malformations of the knee in nail patella syndrome are easily recognisable on conventional radiographs and lead to the correct interpretation of the aberrant morphology which is essential in the treatment of these patellofemoral disorders. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:483–9

The Gamma nail was designed to treat unstable intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures. The device was developed after cadaver studies and has been used clinically since February 1985 in a total of 421 patients. The results in 123 patients treated by the third version of this design are reported. The Gamma nail transmits weight closer to the calcar than does the dynamic hip screw and it has greater mechanical strength. A semi-closed operative technique is used, with an average duration of operation of 35 minutes and little blood loss. Distal locking screws can be used to maintain rotational stability, and can be inserted without the use of an image intensifier. Results showed satisfactory fracture union with little loss of position, even in comminuted fractures. Operative complications were few, but included fractures of the base of the greater trochanter. The most important postoperative complication, seen in one case, was fracture of the shaft of the femur at the distal end of the nail, but this healed well after re-nailing

Intramedullary tibial nailing was performed in ten paired cadavers and the insertion of a medial-to-lateral proximal oblique locking screw was simulated in each specimen. Anatomical dissection was undertaken to determine the relationship of the common peroneal nerve to the cross-screw. The common peroneal nerve was contacted directly in four tibiae and the cross-screw was a mean of 2.6 mm (1.0 to 10.7) away from the nerve in the remaining 16. Iatrogenic injury to the common peroneal nerve by medial-to-lateral proximal oblique locking screws is therefore a significant risk during tibial nailing

Ingrowing of the nail of the hallux has been ascribed to an abnormality of the shape of the nail; our prospective study was planned to test this association. Twenty-three consecutive patients and 23 age-matched controls were assessed by caliper measurement and standard photographs, before a first operation for ingrowing toenail. We found no differences in shape between the toenails of the patients and those of the controls, both groups showing great variation. Our results suggest that the ingrowth is not commonly associated with an abnormal shape of the nail

In a randomised trial involving 598 patients with 600 trochanteric fractures of the hip, the fractures were treated with either a sliding hip screw (n = 300) or a Targon PF intramedullary nail (n = 300). The mean age of the patients was 82 years (26 to 104). All surviving patients were reviewed at one year with functional outcome assessed by a research nurse blinded to the treatment used. The intramedullary nail was found to have a slightly increased mean operative time (46 minutes (. sd. 12.3) versus 49 minutes (. sd. 12.7), p < 0.001) and an increased mean radiological screening time (0.3 minutes (. sd. 0.2) versus 0.5 minutes (. sd. 0.3), p <  0.001). Operative difficulties were more common with the intramedullary nail. There was no statistically significant difference between implants for wound healing complications (p = 1), or need for post-operative blood transfusion (p = 1), and medical complications were similarly distributed in both groups. There was a tendency to fewer revisions of fixation or conversion to an arthroplasty in the nail group, although the difference was not statistically significant (nine versus three cases, p = 0.14). The extent of shortening, loss of hip flexion, mortality and degree of residual pain were similar in both groups. The recovery of mobility was superior for those treated with the intramedullary nails (p = 0.01 at one year from injury). In summary, both implants produced comparable results but there was a tendency to better return of mobility for those treated with the intramedullary nail

We performed a randomised, prospective trial to evaluate the use of unreamed titanium nails for femoral fractures. Of 48 patients with 50 femoral fractures 45 were followed to union; 23 with an unreamed and 22 with a reamed nail. The study was stopped early because of a high rate of implant failure. The fractures in the unreamed group were slower to unite (39.4 weeks) than those in the reamed group (28.5 weeks; p = 0.007). The time to union was over nine months in 57% of the unreamed group and in 18% of the reamed group. In the unreamed group 14 secondary procedures were required in ten patients to enhance healing compared with three in three patients in the reamed group. Six implants (13%) failed, three in each group. Four of these six fractures showed evidence of delayed union. To achieve quicker union and fewer implant failures we recommend the use of reamed nails of at least 12 mm in diameter for female patients and 13 mm in males

Antegrade nailing of proximal humeral fractures using a straight nail can damage the bony insertion of the supraspinatus tendon and may lead to varus failure of the construct. In order to establish the ideal anatomical landmarks for insertion of the nail and their clinical relevance we analysed CT scans of bilateral proximal humeri in 200 patients (mean age 45.1 years (. sd. 19.6; 18 to 97) without humeral fractures. The entry point of the nail was defined by the point of intersection of the anteroposterior and lateral vertical axes with the cortex of the humeral head. The critical point was defined as the intersection of the sagittal axis with the medial limit of the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon on the greater tuberosity. The region of interest, i.e. the biggest entry hole that would not encroach on the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon, was calculated setting a 3 mm minimal distance from the critical point. This identified that 38.5% of the humeral heads were categorised as ‘critical types’, due to morphology in which the predicted offset of the entry point would encroach on the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon that may damage the tendon and reduce the stability of fixation. We therefore emphasise the need for ‘fastidious’ pre-operative planning to minimise this risk. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:249–53

Ollier’s disease is characterised by severe deformity of the extremities and retarded growth because of multiple enchondromas. For correction of deformity, the Ilizarov method has been used although it has many complications. A 17-year-old boy with Ollier’s disease had a limb-length discrepancy of 17.4 cm, with a valgus deformity of the right knee and recurvatum of the femur of 23°. He had undergone three unsuccessful attempts to correct the deformities by using external fixators. We used a fully implantable, motorised, lengthening and correction nail (Fitbone) to achieve full correction of all the deformities without complications. We decided to carry out the procedure in three stages. First, we lengthened the femur by 3.6 cm and the tibia by 4 cm. We then exchanged the femoral nail for a longer implant and achieved a further 6 cm of length. This reduced the shortening to 3.8 cm. When the boy has finished secondary school we will adjust the remaining discrepancy

We reviewed the radiological and clinical long-term results after the nailing in situ of slipped upper femoral epiphysis in 59 hips in 43 patients. The displacement of the epiphysis had been measured as the ‘slipping angle’ before operation and related to the results at follow-up at a mean of 30.9 years (27 to 34). The mean age at follow-up was 44.2 years (39 to 50). Radiographic re-examination of 41 hips with slipping angles of ≤30° at the time of operation showed that eight (20%) had developed mild osteoarthritis and one had severe changes. For 18 hips with slipping angles ranging from 31 to 50° at surgery six (33%) had mild osteoarthritis and three had severe changes. The differences did not quite achieve statistical significance (p = 0.09). Clinical re-examination of the 41 hips with slipping angles of ≤30° showed fair or poor results (Harris hip score < 90) in three (7%). In the 18 hips with slipping of 31 to 50°, four had fair or poor results (22%) (p= 0.13). We conclude that nailing in situ for slipping of ≤30°, using one thin nail, can give excellent long-term results. At present we recommend that hips with slips ranging from 31 to 50° should also be nailed in situ, but further long-term studies are required, especially on the choice between nailing in situ and corrective osteotomy for slips in excess of 50°

We have reviewed our experience of four iatrogenic femoral neck fractures in 315 consecutive closed intramedullary nailings with the AO/ASIF universal femoral nail. The average neck-shaft angle in the bones that fractured was 139.3 degrees +/- 1.2 degrees SD (136 to 141); in the whole series the average neck-shaft angle was 125.3 degrees +/- 8.6 degrees and only 11 had angles of more than 135 degrees. The upper ends of the nails in the four which fractured were 17 mm, 5 mm, 3 mm, and 1 mm below the tip of the greater trochanter. In the seven patients with neck-shaft angles greater than 135 degrees but with no fracture, none of the nails had been inserted beyond the tip of the greater trochanter. We nailed six cadaver femora to simulate the forces produced by intramedullary nailing. Despite deep insertion, only one of the six sustained a neck fracture. This specimen had a radiographic neck-shaft angle of 140 degrees against an average of 127.3 degrees +/- 4.0 degrees for the other five. We believe that the medial prong of the AO insertion jig, with its medial overhang of 2 to 3 mm, may impinge on the superior aspect of a valgus femoral neck during final impaction, causing a neck fracture. This may be avoided by leaving the end of the nail above the tip of the trochanter in such cases

From a series of 190 consecutive fractures of the shaft of the femur treated by closed Kuntscher nailing, 32 of the more severely comminuted have been studied to determine whether treatment by closed nailing was justified. Radiological criteria were used to divide them into 19 who were moderately comminuted and 13 grossly so. Twenty-four patients were less than 21 years of age and 19 patients had 40 significant associated injuries. Fifteen fractures were nailed on the day of injury, and complications were few. Nineteen patients had a supplementary cast-brace and all those who had been employed returned to work. Twelve patients had shortening of up to two centimetres and two had three centimetres; four had mild rotational deformities; seven had mild restriction of knee flexion; and two had delayed union. There were no infections. The advantages of this technique include a negligible risk of infection and rapid stabilisation of even grossly comminuted fractures, thus facilitating management of other injuries. The 44 per cent incidence of shortening is counterbalanced by early mobilisation and rapid return of knee function. It is concluded that when proper equipment and expertise are available then closed nailing is the treatment of choice for severely comminuted fractures of the femoral shaft

We report the outcomes of 20 patients (12 men, 8 women, 21 feet) with Charcot neuro-arthropathy who underwent correction of deformities of the ankle and hindfoot using retrograde intramedullary nail arthrodesis. The mean age of the patients was 62.6 years (46 to 83); their mean BMI was 32.7 (15 to 47) and their median American Society of Anaesthetists score was 3 (2 to 4). All presented with severe deformities and 15 had chronic ulceration. All were treated with reconstructive surgery and seven underwent simultaneous midfoot fusion using a bolt, locking plate or a combination of both. At a mean follow-up of 26 months (8 to 54), limb salvage was achieved in all patients and 12 patients (80%) with ulceration achieved healing and all but one patient regained independent mobilisation. There was failure of fixation with a broken nail requiring revision surgery in one patient. Migration of distal locking screws occurred only when standard screws had been used but not with hydroxyapatite-coated screws. The mean American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle (AAOS-FAO) score improved from 50.7 (17 to 88) to 65.2 (22 to 88), (p = 0.015). The mean Short Form (SF)-36 Health Survey Physical Component Score improved from 25.2 (16.4 to 42.8) to 29.8 (17.7 to 44.2), (p = 0.003) and the mean Euroqol EQ‑5D‑5L score improved from 0.63 (0.51 to 0.78) to 0.67 (0.57 to 0.84), (p = 0.012). Single-stage correction of deformity using an intramedullary hindfoot arthrodesis nail is a good form of treatment for patients with severe Charcot hindfoot deformity, ulceration and instability provided a multidisciplinary care plan is delivered. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:76–82

Between 1996 and 2003 six institutions in the United States and France contributed a consecutive series of 234 fractures of the femur in 229 children which were treated by titanium elastic nailing. Minor or major complications occurred in 80 fractures. Full information was available concerning 230 fractures, of which the outcome was excellent in 150 (65%), satisfactory in 57 (25%), and poor in 23 (10%). Poor outcomes were due to leg-length discrepancy in five fractures, unacceptable angulation in 17, and failure of fixation in one. There was a statistically significant relationship (p = 0.003) between age and outcome, and the odds ratio for poor outcome was 3.86 for children aged 11 years and older compared with those below this age. The difference between the weight of children with a poor outcome and those with an excellent or satisfactory outcome was statistically significant (54 kg vs 39 kg; p = 0.003). A poor outcome was five times more likely in children who weighed more than 49 kg

Two comparable groups of patients with fractures of the trochanteric region of the femur were studied. One hundred and sixty-five fractures had been fixed with conventional nail-plates and 132 with Ender's nails. Ender's nails gave superior results in the treatment of trochanteric fractures. The operation was quicker and less traumatic than that using conventional nail-plates and both the mortality rate and the time in hospital were reduced. More patients in the group with Ender's nails who were initially independent returned to an independent existence

The Gamma nail was introduced for the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures with the theoretical advantage of a load-sharing femoral component which could be implanted by a closed procedure. We report a randomised prospective study of 186 fractures treated by either the Gamma nail or a dynamic hip screw. Gamma nails were implanted with significantly shorter screening times, smaller incisions, and less intraoperative bleeding. The Gamma nail group had a shorter convalescence and earlier full weight-bearing, but there was no significant difference in mortality within six months, postoperative mobility, or hip function at review. More intra-operative complications were recorded in the Gamma nail group, mainly due to the mismatching of the femoral component of the nail to the small femurs of Chinese people. Use of a smaller modified nail reduced these complications. We conclude that with careful surgical technique and the modified femoral component, the Gamma nail is an advance in the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures

We treated 39 patients with fractures of the humeral shaft by closed retrograde locked intramedullary nailing, using Russell-Taylor humeral nails. The mean healing time of all fractures was 13.7 weeks. After consolidation, shoulder function was excellent in 92.3% and elbow function excellent in 87.2%. Functional end-results were excellent in 84.6% of patients, moderate in 10.3% and bad in 5.1%. One patient had a postoperative radial nerve palsy, which recovered within three months. There was additional comminution at the fracture site in three patients (7.7%) which did not affect healing, and slight nail migration in two older patients (5.1%). Two patients (5.1%) needed a second procedure because of disturbed fracture healing. One screw breakage was seen in a patient with delayed union. Retrograde locked humeral nailing appears to be a better solution for the stabilisation of fractures of the humeral shaft than anterograde nailing or plate and screw fixation. We found the complication rate to be acceptable and shoulder and elbow function to recover rapidly in most cases

We report retrospective and prospective studies to identify the causes of fracture of the femoral neck associated with femoral shaft nailing on the same side. Of a total of 14 neck fractures in a series of 152 shaft nailings, eight were not visible on the initial pelvic radiographs. We used CT scans before and after operation, and fluoroscopy during the procedure in our prospective series, and reviewed abdominal CT scans retrospectively with the window set to bone level. Six of the eight undisplaced fractures were shown to have been present before operation, but two were iatrogenic. We recommend the preoperative use of CT scans of the femoral neck in high-risk patients such as those with associated fractures of the acetabulum, the distal femur or the patella. Early diagnosis will allow better general management and early fixation of the neck fracture

Techniques for fixation of fractures of the lateral malleolus have remained essentially unchanged since the 1960s, but are associated with complication rates of up to 30%. The fibular nail is an alternative method of fixation requiring a minimal incision and tissue dissection, and has the potential to reduce the incidence of complications. We reviewed the results of 105 patients with unstable fractures of the ankle that were fixed between 2002 and 2010 using the Acumed fibular nail. The mean age of the patients was 64.8 years (22 to 95), and 80 (76%) had significant systemic medical comorbidities. Various different configurations of locking screw were assessed over the study period as experience was gained with the device. Nailing without the use of locking screws gave satisfactory stability in only 66% of cases (4 of 6). Initial locking screw constructs rendered between 91% (10 of 11) and 96% (23 of 24) of ankles stable. Overall, seven patients had loss of fixation of the fracture and there were five post-operative wound infections related to the distal fibula. This lead to the development of the current technique with a screw across the syndesmosis in addition to a distal locking screw. In 21 patients treated with this technique there have been no significant complications and only one superficial wound infection. Good fracture reduction was achieved in all of these patients. The mean physical component Short-Form 12, Olerud and Molander score, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle outcome scores at a mean of six years post-injury were 46 (28 to 61), 65 (35 to 100) and 83 (52 to 99), respectively. There have been no cases of fibular nonunion. Nailing of the fibula using our current technique gives good radiological and functional outcomes with minimal complications, and should be considered in the management of patients with an unstable ankle fracture.

Fractures of the femoral shaft are generally considered to affect young patients, but we have reviewed 24 cases in patients over 60 years who have been treated by locked nailing, usually by closed methods. Most were women with low-velocity injuries, but despite this, 14 fractures were significantly comminuted. The complication rate was 54% with a peri-operative mortality of 17%. Most complications were the general ones of operating on elderly patients. Specific complications included: fractures below an abnormal hip, proximal fracture related to the nail and poor purchase in the distal femur. In all survivors, the femoral shaft fractures united satisfactorily, and the fixation allowed early mobilisation. The locking nail appears to be an effective method of managing femoral shaft fractures in the elderly patient

We report the results of locked Seidel nailing for 30 fractures of the humerus. There were frequent technical difficulties at operation especially with the locking mechanisms. Protrusion of the nail above the greater tuberosity occurred in 12 cases, usually due to inadequate locking, and resulted in shoulder pain and poor function. Poor shoulder function was also seen in five patients with no nail protrusion, presumably because of local rotator cuff damage during insertion. Our results suggest that considerable modifications are required to the nail, and possibly to its site of insertion, before its use can be advocated

1. An initial series of 100 consecutive cases of trochanteric fracture treated by the Küntscher technique of condylo-cephalic nailing with the aid of an image intensifier has been reviewed. 2. The advantages of this simple method over internal fixation by open reduction and insertion of some kind of nail and plate are discussed

Internal fixation with a trifin nail after displacement osteotomy of the femur permits reduction of external splintage to a degree that any patient can tolerate with ease; it also eliminates the problem of the stiff knee. The method has been used successfully for recent and old fractures of the femoral neck, for post-irradiation fractures, for failed nailing operations or arthroplastics, for osteoarthritis, for rheumatoid arthritis, for old congenital dislocations and subluxations, and to stabilise the hip after excision of the head and neck to create a pseudarthrosis

We describe a method of closed, unlocked nailing for femoral fractures using ultrasound instead of an image intensifier. Radiography was used only to confirm that the guide wire had been passed into the intramedullary canal of both fragments. The method succeeded in 26 of 30 cases. The failures all occurred in fractures which could not be reduced within 20 minutes. The operating time in those nailed successfully with ultrasound control was not different from the time for 30 control cases using conventional methods with an image intensifier

One hundred and two fractures of the femoral shaft, including eighteen pathological fractures, in 100 patients were internally fixed by closed Kuntscher nailing. Sixty-eight fractures resulted from motor vehicle accidents; ten were compound. Seventy-five patients were under the age of thirty years and thirty-four had multiple injuries. Sixty-nine fractures were nailed on the day of the accident and the operative technique is described. Complications during and after operations were few. Fifty-eight patients left hospital within four weeks and 77% of those working returned to work in less than four months. There were no wound or bone infections. The results are discussed and it is concluded that, with the correct equipment and careful attention to detail, closed nailing is a straightforward procedure with few complications. Advantages include the wide range of fractures that can be nailed, the short hospitalisation, the rapid return of function to the knee, the early return to work and the absence of infection