Medullary nailing according to Swiss study group principles.

Internal fixation of long tubular bone fractures by intramedullary nailing has become established worldwide as an efficient and successful procedure, besides the methods of interfragmentary compression, buttress and adaptation, intramedullary splinting and stabilization constitute the basic principles of osteosynthesis. Improvements in knowledge of equipment, indications, technique, aftercare and possible complications have increased the success of intramedullary nailing. The results of 1,905 intramedullary nailings of femur and tibia demonstrate that with other methods of osteosynthesis poor results usually are attributable to an inappropriate indication and/or a faulty surgical technique. Occasionally a failure may stem from the surgeon's technical incompetence or inexperience.