Early results of the Sunnybrook experience with locked intramedullary nailing.

In the past two years the closed locked intramedullary nailing system has been used at the Sunnybrook Trauma Unit. This system has equalled the results reported by Hansen in the use of closed intramedullary nailing with conventional indications, and has provided an excellent means of handling complex and difficult shaft fractures of both the tibia and the femur. It appears to provide excellent rates of union with very rapid and early rehabilitation of the patient. It is particularly useful in the multiply injured patient with very difficult high energy femoral and tibial shaft fractures. It has a minimal blood loss and can be done with practice in a reasonable period of time. This technique will add greatly to the armamentarium of the trauma surgeon.