Targeting device for intramedullary nails: a new high-stable mechanical guide.

One of the most demanding steps of an intramedullary nailing is the distal locking. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinically and prospectively a new targeting guide. Twenty-five patients were treated consecutively in two different trauma centres (level one and one general hospital) by two different surgeons who were instructed on using the new device. Reduction of the fracture, intramedullary nailing and proximal locking are performed according to standard procedures. Then the new targeting device is used for distal locking. Evaluations are focused on the time it takes to perform the distal locking, the duration of the irradiation exposure and the duration of the complete procedure. In terms of duration, our results are comparable to those reported in the literature but this new device has more advantages than any other system. This new device is fully mechanical and is solidly linked to the patient. It can be used with any existing radioscopic equipment in any hospital. The guide is manually adjustable out of the X-ray field avoiding the surgeon being irradiated. The procedure is easy to learn and reproducible.