Comparing Results between New Aiming Device and Freehand Technique for Distal Locking of Intramedullary Implants.

OBJECTIVE

To test the results of a new simple aiming device compared to the freehand method for distal locking screw insertion in the intramedullary (IM) nailing procedure in terms of accuracy, radiation exposure, and operative time.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Distal screw locking procedure on 40 synthetic femoral bones with inserted intramedullary nail was done by four senior orthopedic residents using both the freehand and device-assisted techniques. Accuracy, fluoroscopic time, and operative time were recorded for the analysis.

RESULTS

The new aiming device minimized fluoroscopic time with statistical significance (p-value <0.001). No operating time difference between the two techniques (p-value = 0.67). Screw misdirection was found in two incidences in the freehand technique but not found in the device-assisted technique.

CONCLUSION

The new simple aiming device can decrease fluoroscopic time and show good precision of distal locking procedure.