Abstract:

Objective To investigate and assess the effectiveness and methods of using expandable intramedullary nail system(EINS) in the clinical treatment of limb fractures.
Methods From June, 2006 to June, 2008, a total of 31 cases with limb fracture were treated with EINS. In total, 32 nails were used for 20 male patients and 11 female patients, ranging from ages of 19 to 85; femur, 9 cases; tibiofibular, 4 cases(both tibiofibular, 1 case; compound fracture, 1 case); humerus, 6 cases; proximal femur, 12 cases.
Results In all 31 cases, the wounds healed within the first stage, time of surgery ranged from 45 to 150 minutes, averaging 97.5 minutes per surgery. Single side limb blood lose ranged from 50 to 500 mL, on average, 275 mL. Thirty-one patients were followed up post surgically. Follow-up periods ranged from 8 to 32 weeks, averaging 20 weeks. The average healing time of treated limb fractures: 10 weeks for proximal femur, 12.8 weeks for femur, 12.4 weeks for tibiofibular, 13.5 weeks for humerus.
Conclusion EINS has a unique design that is advantageous in the clinical treatment of limb fractures. Its surgical procedures are relatively simple, less invasive, and the duration of surgery short. In addition, EINS significantly decreases the amount of X-ray exposure, thus, decreasing the potentially harmful effects of X-ray on both doctors and patients, especially for young patients that have not had children. The axial flexibility is stable and accelerates the healing of fracture. PF expandable stud extrudes cancellous bone and does not pose the problem of bone cutting used in internal bone fixation methods. This is especially suitable for osteoporotic patients. There is no need for remote locking and is therefore suitable for both distal limb patients and patients with skin conditions. EINS provides an innovative alternative method for the treatment of long bone fracture.

Key words: expandable intramedullary nail system(EINS), limb fracture, internal fixation