Lateral decubitus positioning for intramedullary nailing of the femur without the use of a fracture table.

Abstract

In closed intramedullary nailing of the femur in the lateral decubitus position without the use of a fracture table, access to the proximal femur is enhanced as compared to supine nailing, especially in large patients. The hip is typically flexed during the nailing, which allows the nail to be placed posterior to the gluteus medius, thus minimizing abductor damage. The deforming forces of flexion and abduction in proximal fracture patterns can be readily overcome by this technique. Proper rotation of the leg can be assessed clinically or with the use of a femoral neck anteversion guide wire. Fluoroscopic visualization of the proximal femur is excellent, including the femoral head, thus facilitating reconstruction nailing.