An intramedullary instrument to align bone fragments in closed Küntscher nailing.

Abstract

Internal fixation of fractures of the shafts of long tubular bones by intramedullary nailing has become established worldwide. It is an efficient and successful procedure. Closed nailing has several advantages, but the technique is often difficult and sometimes impossible if reduction is unsuccessful. To facilitate reduction a special instrument has been constructed which can be used via the intramedullary route. It has proved to be a useful device which makes closed nailing easier, the operation time shorter and the procedure safer. A description of the instrument and the way it can be used is given.