What is an intramedullary fixation device?

Intramedullary fixation devices (IMFDs), such as nails and rods, are used for the fixation of various bones and are typically used in the femur, tibia, humerus, radius and ulna. An IMFD subjected to cyclical loading can fail due to fatigue if stresses on the device exceed its endurance limit.

Is intramedullary nailing internal fixation?

Intramedullary nailing is an internal fixation technique mainly used for the surgical management of long bone diaphyseal fractures and since more recently, also in metaphyseal and periarticular fractures.

What is K nail?

Interlocking intramedullary nail is used for almost all types of femoral shaft fractures worldwide because of its better mechanical stability. In countries like India with limited healthcare infrastructure, the use of Kuntscher nail (K-nail) in Winquist type I and type II isthmic fractures is still debated.

What is intramedullary implant?

An intramedullary rod, also known as an intramedullary nail (IM nail) or inter-locking nail or Küntscher nail (without proximal or distal fixation), is a metal rod forced into the medullary cavity of a bone. IM nails have long been used to treat fractures of long bones of the body.

What do you need to know about intramedullary nailing?

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.

Can a Vancouver C fracture be treated with an intramedullary nail?

Given the complexity of healing of Vancouver C comminuted supracondylar fractures, it is possible to utilize both an intramedullary nail in a retrograde fashion, along with lateral plating support of the fracture. This can allow for earlier mobilization.

What kind of nails are used for fractures?

Available tibial nails Currently available tibial nails have locking screw holes close to both ends, in multiple orientations, for better fixation of proximal and distal fractures. The nails may be either solid or cannulated (hollow). Solid nails may protect somewhat against infection because they have no internal dead space.

Why are IM nails used for bone fixation?

Modern IM nails permit placement of locking screws through bone and nail, to improve fixation both proximally and distally. Locked nails permit stable fixation which controls length, rotation, and alignment of proximal and distal fractures. However, locking prevents impaction of distracted fractures, and interferes with their healing.