What is intramedullary nailing of femur?
An intramedullary nail is a metal rod that is inserted into the medullary cavity of a bone and across the fracture in order to provide a solid support for the fractured bone. Intramedullary nailing is currently considered the “gold standard” for treatment of femoral shaft fractures (Rudloff 2009).
How do you nail a femur?
The surgeon will make an incision near the hip joint in order to insert a rigid rod (intramedullary nail) through the femur. The rod is fixed by screws at both ends and will keep the bone stable in order to ensure proper healing. In most cases, neither a cast nor brace will be required post-surgery.
What are the key benefits to intramedullary nailing in the distal femur?
In any fracture fixation, the advantages of intramedullary nailing include indirect reduction with less stripping of periosteal blood supply and preservation of soft tissues and the fracture hematoma with its bone-forming cells and factors.
What is intramedullary nailing procedure?
Intramedullary nailing is surgery to repair a broken bone and keep it stable. The most common bones fixed by this procedure are the thigh, shin, hip, and upper arm. A permanent nail or rod is placed into the center of the bone. It will help you be able to put weight on the bone.
Are there hip precautions with IM nailing?
NOTE: If pins, screws, nails, or plates were used to repair your broken hip, you do not need to follow the movement (hip) precautions above.
How long does intramedullary nailing take?
The operative time for the nailing in our study was 175 minutes. Treatment goals include allowing early mobilization of the patient, restoration and maintenance of normal length and alignment, the ability to consistently achieve union, and to maintain a normal, functional range of motion in the hip and knee.
Are femur nails removed?
Intramedullary nails used for fixation of femoral fractures may require removal for a variety of reasons. Some recommend that all such nails be removed after fracture healing,1,2 whereas others prefer to remove only those that cause symptoms.
Are IM nails load bearing?
Summary. Intramedullary fixation devices (IMFDs) function as load-sharing devices. This favorable biomechanical situation is achieved when a properly placed IMFD restores axial alignment of the fracture and allows return of some of the load-bearing capacity of the bone.
How long does IM nail surgery take?
Should intramedullary nails be removed?
Intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for fractures of the tibial shaft, which might necessitate the nail removal due to complications in the long-term. Although considered as a low-risk procedure, intramedullary nail removal is also associated with certain complications.