Distal Screw Targeting of Interlocking Nails

Abstract

Successful placement of the distal interlocking screws into the Grosse-Kempf nail is a demanding procedure due in part to deformation of the nail during insertion and to inaccuracy of the targeting device supplied with the system. The authors suggest an alternative approach. After placement of the nail in a tibia or femur, a Kirschner wire (K-wire) is directed through the distal transfixation hole under fluoroscopic control. A second Grosse-Kempf nail is placed alongside the limb with the K-wire passing through the corresponding distal hole. The more proximal hole on the nail serves as a targeting guide for a more proximal wire. Once correct placement of the wires is confirmed roentgenographically, the near cortex is opened with a cannulated drill passed over the wires. The wires are removed, the opposite cortices are drilled, and the screws are placed. In 25 consecutive distally locked nailings (eight tibiae and 17 femora), the technique was easily mastered, decreasing the roentgenogram exposure when compared to freehand techniques.