Distal femoral fine wire traction assisted retrograde nailing of the femur

Abstract

Here we describe the surgical technique for using distal femoral fine wire traction during retrograde femoral nailing and present case examples. This technique allows for hands-free distraction across the fracture site to restore length and alignment, while not interfering with the preparation and insertion of the retrograde femoral nail. Distal femoral fine wire traction is a useful adjunctive technique to restore length and effect an indirect reduction in femur fractures being stabilized with a retrograde nail.

Keywords: Femur fracture; Fine wire traction; Ligamentotaxis; Retrograde femoral nail; Skeletal traction.