Feasibility study of a new concept for distal targeting/locking of intramedullary nails

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 7938.2;6 LSPP-LS

Short description (English)

Feasibility study of a new concept for distal targeting/locking of intramedullary nails

Short description (French)

Feasibility study of a new concept for distal targeting/locking of intramedullary nails

Abstract (French)

Implanting intramedullary nails to treat long bone fractures can be difficult and time consuming for surgeons who occasionally perform this procedure. This is because holes must be bored through the bone, that need to be in perfect alignment with pre-drilled transversal clearance holes of the inserted nail, in order to secure the bone to the nail via locking screws; the clearance holes of the inserted nail being invisible to the surgeon performing the procedure.The patent application N° US 2002*0058948 A1 (Dr Arlettaz) provides solutions for a targeting system and method for distal locking.The aim of the feasibility project is to provide a simple, accurate and low cost concept to ensure proper targeting and locking of intramedullary nails without resorting to the use of X-rays.