The Shapiro Staplizer: indications and recommendations for use.

Clinical experiences with the Shapiro Staplizer in orthopedics and traumatology are described. Between 1985 and 1989, the stapler gun was employed in our department in a total of 837 surgical interventions. On the whole, the results achieved were excellent. Only 3.7% of the patients on whom the stapler gun was used experienced problems in connection with the staples. Good indications, poorer indications, and contraindications for the use of the stapler are discussed. If the correct techniques are used, failures can be avoided. Power-stapling is an effective method, though not always an easy one, to solve fixation problems in metaphyseal bone. It is quick, precise, gives good primary stability, and is well tolerated.