Proximal Locking in Intramedullary Tibial Nailing: A Cadaveric Study

K. Stafilas; A. Mavrodontidis; P. Koulouvaris; A. Tokis; B. Papakostas; T. Xenakis

doi:10.1055/s-2003-42332

Osteosynthesis and Trauma Care, Table of Contents

Osteosynthesis and Trauma Care 2003; 11: 101-104
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42332

Tibia

Proximal Locking in Intramedullary Tibial Nailing: A Cadaveric Study

K. Stafilas¹ , A. Mavrodontidis ¹ , P. Koulouvaris¹ , A. Tokis¹ , B. Papakostas² , T. Xenakis¹

¹Orthopaedic Department, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece
²Radiology Department, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece

Abstract

Purpose: Vascular complications associated with locked intramedullary tibial nailing are rare but always serious. The purpose of this cadaveric study is to define the risk of vascular complications after proximal locking in intramedullary tibial nailing.
Material and Methods: Seven fresh cadaver legs were obtained from the University Hospital of Ioannina. The Grosse & Kempf Tibial Locking Nail was used with anterior-posterior locking. Each procedure was performed according to a standard protocol. The insertion point of the tibial nail was just above the level of the tibial tuberosity. The direction of the proximal locking screw was oblique from caudal to cranial and from lateral to medial. For imaging, both the nail and screws were removed and titanium screws were inserted, thereby allowing good visualization.
Results: MRI sections combined with CT and 3D-CT have been used to illustrate the findings, as they clearly demonstrate the relationships between the locking screws and adjacent vascular structures. Analysis of these findings highlighted the surgical risks associated with this type of proximal locking and its direction.
Conclusions: Proximal anterior-posterior locking in intramedullary tibial nailing is a hazardous procedure because of the small distance between tibia and vascular structures. The use of a new direction for proximal anterior-posterior locking is recommended.

Key words

Tibia - intramedullary nailing - proximal locking - vascular complications

Full Text

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Kosmas Stafilas

10 Akadimias Str.

45223 Ioannina

Greece

Phone: +30/6 51 04 36 91,+30/9 77 42 63 39

Email: kosmas@hol.gr, kstaf@cc.uoi.gr