Standard Intramedullary Nailing Research Articles

Antibiotic cement nails manufactured with threaded rods or cannulated intramedullary nails are better than those made with guidewires and do not debond.

The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate cement debonding at the time of removal of antibiotic cemented coated nails (ABNs) with cores made with a guidewire ($120), a regular intramedullary nail ($1100) or a threaded rod from a circular frame external fixator set ($60). A retrospective study was performed on 32 ABNs that had been implanted for long bone infections after intramedullary nailing. All ABNs were manufactured intraoperatively by the treating surgeon using 2 grams of vancomycin and single package of Tobramycin Simplex Cement (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI). The powder, antibiotics, and polymer were mixed and then injected into an ABN cement mold (Bonesetter Holdings USA). Debonding was assessed at time of removal by the operating surgeon. Rates of cement debonding between the 3 groups were statistically compared. Debonding occurred in 0/12 of the cement nails manufactured with an intramedullary nail, 0/7 threaded rod ABNs, and 6/13 guidewire ABNs. There was a significant difference in the rate of debonding between the 3 groups (P < 0.01). Removal of the remnant cement was accomplished with thin osteotomes, long pituitary rongeurs, or reamers. The canal was visualized using an arthroscope to ensure complete removal of the cement. ABNs fabricated with standard intramedullary nails or threaded rods did not lead to any debonding. Debonding of the cement from the inner core of an antibiotic nail often requires significant effort to remove the remnant cement. Given that threaded rods are often cheaper than guidewires, we recommend that ABNs be fabricated with either threaded rods or interlocking nails, but not guidewires, depending on the level of stability required.

PROPHYLACTIC USE OF LOCAL ANTIBIOTICS IN OPEN FRACTURES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

IntroductionThe management of open long bone fractures is well described and has been standardised through a number of well-established guidelines. However, there is no consensus regarding the application of local antibiotics into the open fracture site as a means of reducing infection rates.Materials &amp; MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken as per PRISMA guidelines. PROSPERO Registration CRD42022323545. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and CENTRAL were the databases assessed. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale and the Rob 2 Tool were used to assess bias. A qualitative synthesis of all included studies and meta-analysis of suitable subgroups was undertaken.ResultsIn total, 12 studies (11 observational, 1 RCT) assessing 2431 open fractures were included for analysis. All compared the addition of a local antibiotic therapy to a standard treatment versus the standard treatment alone. The methods of delivery were vancomycin powder (4 papers), tobramycin polymethylmethacrylate beads (4 papers), gentamicin coated intramedullary (IM) nails (2 papers), gentamicin injections (1 paper) and antibiotic released IM core cement (1 paper). The addition of vancomycin powder did not decrease infection rates in comparison to intravenous antibiotics alone (OR 1.3, 95% CI (0.75 – 2.26)). Antibiotic coated IM Nails appear to have an association with lower infection rates than standard IM Nails. PMMA antibiotics have shown varied results in reducing infection rates depending on the individual studies.ConclusionsThere are numerous methods available to deliver antibiotics locally to an open fracture site. Further high-quality research is required to provide a definitive conclusion on their efficacy irrespective of delivery method.

Technical considerations for the management of segmental osseous defects with an internal bone transport nail

ABSTRACT Introduction Traditionally, distraction osteogenesis has been accomplished with an external fixator. All internal transport utilizing magnetic intramedullary nails is a newer technique for bone reconstruction. The Precice Bone Transport Nail is a new implant that allows for noninvasive transport via a magnetically driven motor. Areas covered This report describes the function of the Bone Transport Nail along with the technical considerations on how to successfully manage bone defects with this new technology. Appropriate use of the nail, preoperative planning, intraoperative considerations, and postoperative management are discussed in detail. Expert opinion The Precice Bone Transport Nail utilizes the technology of the original Precice nail to provide an all-internal option for reconstruction of intercalary defects. This obviates the need for an additional plate with a standard Precice nail when performing bone transport and allows for a less invasive option that decreases operating room time. It provides a more cosmetic result than external fixation and avoids the risks of pin tract infection. Preoperative planning is essential to appropriate execution of the operative procedure and to perform a successful transport. A thorough understanding of the nail design and limitations are a prerequisite as this implant is significantly different from a standard intramedullary nail.

Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) Fin nail versus SIGN standard intramedullary nail for distal diaphyseal femur fractures treated via retrograde approach

IntroductionSurgical fixation of distal diaphyseal femur fractures remains a major challenge in developing countries given limited availability of fluoroscopy. The Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) Standard Intramedullary Nail and SIGN Fin Nail are two modalities developed to address this challenge; the Fin Nail additionally avoids needing to place proximal interlocking screws. While efficacy of the Standard Nail has been established, outcomes following fixation with the Fin Nail are unknown. In this study, we compare outcomes of distal diaphyseal femur fractures treated with each implant. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted from 2012 to 2013 at a single tertiary-referral center in Tanzania. Skeletally mature patients with distal diaphyseal femur fractures treated with either retrograde SIGN Standard Nail or Fin Nail were included. Patients followed-up at 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks post-operatively. The primary outcome was all-cause reoperation. Secondary outcomes included infection, non-union, malalignment, quality of life (EQ-5D score), pain (VAS score), radiographic healing (RUST score), and function (pain with weight bearing, knee range of motion, and Squat and Smile score). Results74 (85%) of 85 enrolled patients completed the minimum 1-year follow-up. There was no difference in rate of reoperation (p = 1.00), infection (p = 1.00), limb length discrepancy (p = 0.47), non-union (p = 1.00), or coronal or sagittal malalignment (p = 1.00, p = 0.55 respectively) at 1 year. There was furthermore no difference in mean EQ-5D (p = 0.82), VAS pain score (p = 0.43), RUST score (p = 0.44), maximum knee flexion (p = 0.52) and extension (p = 1.00), or Squat and Smile function (p = 1.00) between cohorts at 1 year. DiscussionOutcomes associated with the SIGN Fin Nail are comparable to those associated with the SIGN Standard Intramedullary Nail at 1 year. The SIGN Fin Nail may be useful as an alternative to Standard locked IM nails for fixation of distal diaphyseal femur fractures.

Are cephalomedullary interlocking screws superior to standard interlocking screws in subtrochanteric femoral fractures with an intact lesser trochanter?

Background: Subtrochanteric femoral fractures often are treated with cephalomedullary nails, but standard intramedullary nails may be sufficient to treat many subtrochanteric femoral fractures. We hypothesized that standard intramedullary nailing of subtrochanteric femoral fractures with an intact lesser trochanter is not inferior to cephalomedullary nailing. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients treated with an intramedullary device for a proximal femoral fracture within 5 cm of the lesser trochanter between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013. We compared standard and cephalomedullary nails with regards to fracture union, nonunion, and alignment. Exclusion criteria included comminution involving the lesser trochanter, intertrochanteric fractures, use of a plate, or pathologic fractures. Results: Fifty patients with 52 subtrochanteric femoral fractures met the inclusion criteria, with 39 men and 11 women. Thirteen fractures were treated with a standard, locked intramedullary nail, of which nine had adequate follow-up (69%). All nine fractures healed uneventfully. Thirty-nine fractures were treated with a cephalomedullary nail in 38 patients, of which 30 had adequate follow-up (77%). There were two nonunions that required revision surgery (5%) in the cephalomedullary group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to fracture union, nonunion, or revision surgery (P=0.59 Fisher Exact Test). Conclusions: Subtrochanteric femoral fractures with an intact lesser trochanter can be successfully treated with standard locking nails. This study is underpowered to determine if standard locking or cephalomedullary locking is superior to the other, but all failures occurred in the cephalomedullary group.

False Femoral Neck Fracture Detected during Shaft Nailing: A Mach Band Effect

Femoral neck fractures are associated with femoral shaft fractures in 1% to 9% of cases. Undisplaced neck fractures are susceptible to displacement during shaft nailing. We report the case of a 57-year-old male patient in whom we performed standard intramedullary nailing for a femoral shaft fracture. In doing so, we identified a vertical radiolucent line at the femoral neck, which was thought to be further displacement of a hidden silent fracture or an iatrogenic fracture that developed during nail insertion. Consequently, we decided to switch to reconstructive femoral nailing. Postoperative hip imaging failed to show the femoral neck fracture that we saw in the operating room. Here, we discuss the aforementioned case and review the literature concerning this artifact.

Is Reconstruction Nailing of All Femoral Shaft Fractures Cost Effective? A Decision Analysis

Femoral shaft fractures are usually treated with anterograde or retrograde nails that typically do not provide femoral neck fixation. Ipsilateral femoral neck fractures occur with 2.5%-10% of femoral shaft fractures; 19%-55% of associated femoral neck fractures are missed with plain films and 5%-22% with computed tomography (CT). This study was performed to determine if routine reconstruction nailing of all femoral shaft fractures with or without occult femoral neck fractures is cost effective. A decision tree model examined the cost effectiveness of reconstruction nailing over standard intramedullary nailing for all femoral shaft fractures in which an associated femoral neck fracture was not identified on plain radiographs. As a base model, we assumed that 5% of shaft fractures had an ipsilateral femoral neck fracture, and 37% were missed and required further surgery. We assigned a small morbidity and additional cost ($680) for the use of a reconstruction nail and 2 screws. Model inputs including costs, clinical outcome probabilities, and health utilities were derived from the literature, estimated from institutional data, or assumed by the authors. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the effect of the rate of associated femoral neck fracture, the rate of missed femoral neck fracture, the complication rate of reconstruction screws, the cost of the extra reconstruction screws, and the utilities of each outcome on the incremental cost effectiveness (ICER) of both strategies. Current practice in cost-effectiveness analysis uses a threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained as cost effective. A secondary analysis of the use CT scans to reduce missed femoral neck fractures was also performed. The base model showed that the placement of reconstruction nails in all isolated femur fractures was not cost effective. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the ICER was most sensitive to the cost of the reconstruction nail, hemiarthroplasty, and a missed femoral neck fracture. The ICER was affected by the rate of femoral neck fracture and the rate of missed femoral neck fracture. If the rate of missed femoral neck fractures was >38%, then reconstruction nailing was a cost-effective strategy. If the probability of an ipsilateral femoral neck fracture was >7%, then reconstruction nailing was cost effective. Protocolized CT scans had an ICER >$100,000. If the additional cost of the reconstruction nails was <$650, then it was cost effective to perform reconstruction nailing for all femoral shaft fractures. Reconstruction nailing of femoral shaft fractures can be a cost-effective method to reduce the risks and morbidity of missed femoral neck fractures if the incremental implant costs are <$650. Routine reconstruction nailing is cost effective if the rate of associated femoral neck fracture is >7% or the rate of missed femoral neck fracture is >38%. CT scans are not a cost-effective strategy to reduce the risk and morbidity of missed femoral neck fractures if the cost is >$243. Weaknesses of this study include the reliance on low-powered studies and on estimations of some utilities and costs. To prevent the morbidity of missed or occult femoral neck fractures, the use of reconstruction nails for femoral shaft fractures is cost effective when the incremental costs of implants are <$650. Economic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Locking Flexible Nails for Diaphyseal Humeral Fractures in the Multiply Injured Patient

Multiply injured patients are sometimes treated with standard intramedullary nails for diaphyseal humeral fractures. We evaluated the use of the Synthes titanium locked flexible nail in 43 multiply injured patients (average injury severity score, 35.2) assessing time to union, nonunion rate, shoulder and elbow pain, and range of motion. Twenty-seven patients underwent antegrade insertion, and 16 underwent retrograde insertion. An increase in union rate was noted with antegrade (93%) versus retrograde (69%) insertion, without statistically significant difference in shoulder and elbow pain or range of motion. We recommend the locking flexible humeral nail with antegrade insertion for multiply injured patients with large soft-tissue damage or severe comminution that renders plate fixation difficult.

Proximal tibia fractures and intramedullary nailing: The impact of nail trajectory to varus/valgus deformity

Although intramedullary nailing has been the treatment of choice for diaphyseal tibial fractures, its role in the management of fractures occurring at the proximal tibial metaphysis remains controversial, as high complication rates that mostly refer to unsuccessful reduction and malalignment have been reported. To overcome these problems and improve outcomes, certain modifications to the standard operative technique have been proposed, such as the use of blocking screws, additional buttress plate, different patient positioning, and extended parapatellar or retropatellar approaches. Remarkably, the role of location of the entry portal for the nail in the coronal plane in achieving and maintaining fracture reduction has not been thoroughly investigated. In the present study, we evaluated the hypothesis that, in the management of extra-articular proximal tibial fractures with intramedullary nailing, proper selection of the nail-entry portal that determines the trajectory of the nail could contribute towards fracture reduction, simplify the procedure and reduce complications. This hypothesis was investigated with careful observation of past X-rays (Figs. 1 and 2) that enabled us to propose a specific guideline about the proper site of the entry portal of the nail for the avoidance of varus/valgus deformity. According to this guideline, the entry portal of the nail on the coronal level must be lateral or medial, depending on the side where the fracture approximates most the articular surface of the proximal tibia on the anteroposterior (AP) view. Validation of the hypothesis could result in simplifying the operative procedure and, thus, less operating time and morbidity by reducing the need for additional implants or other relevant modifications of the standard intramedullary nailing technique. 10,12,18–24 A R T I C L E I N F O

Comparison between a standard intramedullary nail and self-guided multiple cannulated intramedullary nail

Comparison between a standard intramedullary nail and self-guided multiple cannulated intramedullary nail

Biomechanical effects of the distance from the fracture zone to the interlocking fixation screw of intramedullary nail

The goal of any internal fixation produce is to increase the stability of fractures, to transfer load across the fracture site, and to maintain anatomic alignment to induce bony union. While there is general agreement on the usefulness of intramedullary fixation techniques, the method has been criticized because of technical difficulties and mechanical failures. Intramedullary nails are load-sharing devices, allowing the bone to transmit compressive forces while maintaining axial alignment. The function of an intramedullary nail to facilitate healing is secured by its stiffness, which is usually expressed according to load directions as bending or torsional stiffness. Nail stiffness has been determined in a large number of studies. Nail design influences both bending and torsional stiffness. Important parameters are nail diameter, nail material, cross-section (open vs. closed) and design of the screw/nail interface. Nail strength is influenced by material, design and manufacturing properties. The video extensometer markers were placed on distal and proximal side of the fracture. The displacements between the markeres were measured with two non-contact CCD camera extensometers (Non-contact Video Extensometer DVE-101/201, Shimadzu, Japan). The axial compression was applied to all materials with the loading speed of 5 mm/min (max. 800 N). Biomechanical test, axial compression, was performed on materials. In present study, standard intramedullary nails with 11 mm diameter and 400 mm length are used. The intramedulary nails are Ti–6A1–4V alloys. Fracture gap of the models was 10mm. In three different groups, nine tests in each one were carried out. The intramedullary nail distance of the screws was 210 mm in the first group, 110 mm (between two distal gaps) in the second group and six screw fixed in the third groups. Polyethylene materials with 210 mm length are fixed to each intramedullary nails. Results of compression tests of all groups are evaluated and compared statistically. According to statistical assessment there is significant change between each three groups. In a recent, more detailed comparative study it was shown, that significant variations in axial rigidity exist between the proximal and the distal segment of certain nails, and that more screw do not always lead to increased stiffness. If the interface is insufficient, the load on the bone will be taken mostly by the screw holes through the screws instead of by the nail body; however, the screw holes are the weakest part of the nail. Local stress peaks in the region of the interlocked screws can lead to a material failure of the bone, which can result in complications such as nail or screw brake-down and bone refracture.

Cardiopulmonary Response to Reamed Intramedullary Nailing of the Femur Comparing Traditional Reaming With a One-Step Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator Reaming System: An Experimental Study in Pigs

Intramedullary reaming and nailing increases intramedullary pressure. This may cause intravasation of bone marrow contents, leading to bone marrow embolization and altered cardiopulmonary function. Possible beneficial effects of attenuation of the intramedullary pressure increase by the use of a reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) system were studied with the hypothesis that the RIA technique would cause lower numbers of pulmonary embolisms (PEs) and lesser cardiopulmonary affection than traditional reaming (TR). Intramedullary reaming and nailing was performed in intact femora of young Norwegian landrace pigs using either a standard intramedullary nailing technique (n = 8) or a RIA technique (n = 7). The hemodynamic and pulmonary effects were investigated during the reaming and nailing procedure and for 2 hours postoperatively. The animals were killed after 72 hours, and the lung/carcass weight ratio and the numbers of PEs were investigated. The pattern of the procedure-related hemodynamic and pulmonary effects did not differ significantly between the RIA and the TR groups. The RIA group had lower numbers (ns) of embolisms per square centimeter lung area than the TR group. After reaming with the TR device, two animals died of PEs, the first postoperative day. The patients with femoral shaft fracture and additional cardiopulmonary injury or preexisting reduced cardiopulmonary function, however, need special attention, and the use of RIA may, in these cases, represent a better operative alternative with a lesser operative burden.

Segmental fracture of the femur with concomitant genu valgum: a one-stage solution

Segmental fractures of the femur are high energy injuries usually treated with internal fixation. We present the case of such a fracture in which the femur had a preexisting genu valgum deformity from an earlier distal femur physeal arrest. This prevented standard intramedullary nailing or minimally invasive plate fixation. A technique of simultaneous correction of the distal femoral deformity coupled with stabilization of the segmental fracture is reported. Surgery involved an external fixator-assisted corrective osteotomy of the deformity and simultaneous minimally invasive plating of the segmental fracture. The advent of modern concepts of deformity correction has allowed a combination with present day internal fixation techniques to achieve correction, stabilization and union in a problem that would otherwise require two stages of surgery.

P.2.e.021 Aripiprazole in combination with lamotrigine: long-term treatment of patients with bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed)

Healing of complete, atypical femoral fractures is thought to be impaired, but the evidence is weak and appears to be based on the delayed healing observed in patients with incomplete atypical fractures. Time until fracture healing is difficult to assess, therefore we compared the reoperation rates between women with complete atypical femoral fractures and common femoral shaft fractures.We searched the orthopaedic surgical registry in Östergötland County for patients with subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures (ICD-10 diagnosis codes S72.2, S72.3 and M84.3F) between January 1st 2007 and December 31st 2013. Out of 895 patients with surgically treated femoral shaft fractures, 511 were women 50 years of age or older. Among these we identified 24 women with atypical femoral shaft fractures, and 71 with common shaft fractures.Reoperations were performed in 6 and 5 patients, respectively, odds ratio 4.4 (95% CI 1.2 to 16.1). However, 5 reoperations in the atypical fracture group could not be ascribed to poor healing. In 3 patients the reoperation was due to a new fracture proximal to a standard intramedullary nail. In 2 patients the distal locking screws were removed due to callus formation that was deemed incomplete 5 months post-operatively. The one patient with poor healing showed faint callus formation at 5 months when the fracture was dynamised and callus remained sparse at 11 months. Among patients with common shaft fractures, 2 reoperations were performed to remove loose screws, 2 because of peri-implant fractures and 1 reoperation due to infection.Reoperation rates in patients with complete atypical femoral fractures are higher than in patients with common shaft fractures. The main reason for failure was peri-implant fragility fractures which might be prevented with the use of cephalomedullary nails at the index surgery. Fracture healing however, seems generally good. A watchful waiting approach is advocated in patients with fractures that appear to heal slowly.

Extra-Articular Distal Tibia Fractures: A Mechanical Evaluation of 4 Different Treatment Methods

This cadaveric biomechanical study compared the mechanical properties of standard plating (SP), locked plating (LP), intramedullary nailing (IMN), and angular stable intramedullary nailing (ASN) for the treatment of axially unstable distal tibia metaphyseal fractures (OTA type 43.A3) with an intact fibula. A distal tibia metaphyseal fracture was created in 30 fresh frozen cadaveric specimens by performing an osteotomy 30 mm above the plafond. The fibula was left intact. Specimens were divided into 4 groups. Specimens underwent fracture fixation with a standard distal tibia plate, a medial locked plate, an intramedullary nail, or an angular stable intramedullary nail. Specimens were loaded vertically along the tibial axis to 700 N, followed by cyclical loading at 700 N for 10,000 cycles, and then to failure. The IMN group demonstrated greater stiffness and load to failure than the LP group, which was greater than the SP group. The ASN group was not different in terms of stiffness and load to failure from the LP group for the number of specimens tested. The IM group required the greatest energy to failure, and all groups were significantly greater than the SP group. Under axial loading conditions with an intact fibula, both IMN and LP provide stable fixation. There was no advantage to the use of an ASN over a standard IMN. IMN resulted in the highest stiffness, load to failure, and failure energy for OTA type 43.A3 fractures with as little as 3 cm of distal bone stock.

The Early Effects of Intramedullary Reaming of the Femur on Bone Mineral Density; an Experimental Study in Pigs

Both fracture and fracture treatment affect bone mineral density (BMD). BMD after standard intramedullary reaming of the femoral cavity and after reaming with a reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) system were studied with the hypothesis that the RIA technique would lead to lower BMD levels. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed on the third day after operation with standard intramedullary nailing technique (n = 6) or RIA technique (n = 7) in intact femora of young Norwegian landrace pigs. Significantly lower BMD were found in the mid-shaft and total femur after reaming with the RIA technique compared to the non-operated femur. Traditional reaming technique resulted in significantly higher BMD in the distal -femur. The results of this study indicate that standard reaming increased BMD in the distal femur, suggesting compressive effects on trabecular bone. The RIA technique decreased BMD in the femoral diaphysis and total femur, suggesting removal of trabecular bone. A possible clinical impact of the findings remains to be investigated.

Serum Titanium Levels in Individuals Undergoing Intramedullary Femoral Nailing With a Titanium Implant

Many patients request nail extraction or question the long-term effects of hardware retention. Systemic titanium degradation products may influence the timing of such decisions. The orthopedic literature provides no data regarding systemic titanium in patients undergoing intramedullary nail fixation with titanium implants. The purpose of this study was to determine the systemic level of serum titanium in patients who had undergone femoral nailing. Patients who underwent antegrade locked femoral nailing utilizing a reamed technique with a titanium implant were eligible to participate. Eight patients were recruited for each of four time points: 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Blood samples were collected from each subject. Serum titanium levels were analyzed through inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ELAN DRC II, Perkin Elmer, SCIEX, Inc, Shelton, CT). Test sensitivity was 0.2 microg/L. Normal serum titanium levels are <150 microg/L. Thirty-two patients were enrolled. The study group included 10 women and 22 men with average age of 32 (range 19-63) years. The most common fracture pattern was 32-A3 (n = 12), followed by 32-B2 (n = 9). No patients showed an elevated serum titanium level. Mean titanium levels were 49.38, 58.25, 49.38, and 50.63 microg/L at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months cohorts, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.207). Standard intramedullary nail fixation of femur fractures did not result in elevated levels of serum titanium in the first year after surgery. Differences in serum titanium did not differ significantly across time since implantation.

Modified tibial nails for treating distal tibia fractures.

To determine the biomechanical consequences of cutting one centimeter off the tip of a tibial nail when treating distal tibia fractures with intramedullary nails. Randomized laboratory investigation using matched pairs of cadaveric tibias with osteotomies made to resemble distal tibia fractures extending to four and five centimeters from the tibiotalar joints. The smaller (four-centimeter) distal tibias were stabilized using ten-millimeter diameter tibial nails that had been modified by removing the distal one centimeter of the nail. The five-centimeter distal tibias were stabilized with standard ten-millimeter diameter tibial nails. Each tibia was tested in elastic compression, rotation, and compression-bending on a servohydraulic materials testing machine. Stiffness was calculated for each type of loading to compare stability of the modified nail construct to that of the standard nail construct. Four-centimeter distal tibia fragments stabilized with modified nails have comparable stiffness in compression and in torsion to five-centimeter distal tibia fragments stabilized with standard tibial nails. The stiffness in compression-bending was surprisingly low in both groups and differed by only 3.7 percent. Removal of one centimeter from the tip of a tibial nail allows placement of two distal interlocking screws in tibial fractures located four centimeters from the tibiotalar joint. The fixation strength achieved is comparable to that of standard intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures located five centimeters from the tibiotalar joint using two distal interlocking screws. Fixation strength with these distal fractures, however, is not strong enough to resist moderate compression-bending loads. Thus, patients with distal tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing must follow weight-bearing restrictions until significant fracture healing occurs to prevent coronal plane malalignment of the fracture.