Interlocking nails and minimally invasive osteosynthesis

Abstract

Interlocking nailing of long bone fractures has long been considered the gold standard osteosynthesis technique in people. Thanks to improvements in the locking mechanism design and nail profile, a recently developed veterinary angle stable nail has become the first true intramedullary fixator providing accurate and consistent repair stability while allowing semirigid fixation. As a result, indications for interlocking nailing have expanded to include treatment of periarticular fractures, corrections of angular deformities and revisions of failed plate osteosyntheses. Perfectly suited for minimally invasive osteosynthesis, interlocking nailing is an attractive and effective alternative to bone plating and plate-rod fixation technique.