Comparing Effectiveness Between a Power-Drill-Mounted Device and Conventional Free-Handed Technique for Distal Locking of Intramedullary Implants

OBJECTIVES: The procedure for distal locking of intramedullary nails (IM nail) is one of the time-consuming procedures and also exposes the surgical team and patient to high levels of radiation. Many techniques and devices have been created to solve the problems. Nonetheless, conventional free-hand technique is still the most popular due to easy-to-use and no added device needed. This research aims to study the accuracy of a drill-mounted device with free-handed technique in the distal locking of IM nail procedure. METHODS: This is an experimental study. The device was made from PVC pipes. In this study, IM-nail-inserted synthetic femoral bones (Synbone®) were set as in IM nail procedure. Four orthopedic surgeons were instructed and performed the distal locking procedure with free-handed technique and then with the device (totally 20 times for each technique). The radiation exposure time and operating time were recorded. RESULTS: The drill-mounted device reduced the radiation exposure time statistically significant lower than the free-handed technique. However, there was no different in operative time between the two techniques. Screw misdirection occurred two times in free-handed technique but not found in our device-assisted group. CONCLUSION: In this experiment, the new-designed device can reduce the radiation exposure time in distal IM nail interlocking procedure. Nonetheless, further clinical study is required to confirm our results.