The locked Grosse-Kempf intramedullary nail in the treatment of diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures of the femur and tibia.

The Gross-Kempf locked intramedullary nail widens the indications for the traditional Küntscher nail in the treatment of diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures of the lower limbs. The study includes 87 patients with a total of 93 closed fractures treated between 1981 and 1987. Osteosynthesis was carried out in 85 closed fractures and in 8 Grade 1 or 2 open fractures. Possible assemblies in relation to the level and type of fracture and the protocol for weightbearing are illustrated, with emphasis on the fact that dynamization of static assemblies is not always essential. The high percentage of positive results (86%) and the relatively small incidence of complications confirm the validity of this method. The only drawback is the fairly high dose of radiation absorbed by the surgeon during the operation.