Basic Insight into the Procedure
Proximal femoral nail surgery is a procedure used to treat fractures of the upper femur near the hip. A long metal rod (nail) is inserted into the thigh bone to align and stabilize the broken segments. This helps the bone heal correctly and enables the patient to start moving sooner.
Nailing the Femur with Care: Surgical Process and Tools
During proximal femoral nail surgery, the patient is placed under anesthesia, and a small incision is made near the hip. The surgeon guides a wire down the center of the femur using real-time imaging (fluoroscopy), then drills and reams the canal to accommodate the intramedullary nail. The nail is inserted and secured with locking screws at both proximal and distal ends to ensure stability. Specialized instruments—like guide wires, reamers, targeting devices, and fluoroscopy equipment—help achieve accurate placement. The procedure promotes stable fixation and allows early weight-bearing.
When and Why This Surgery is Needed
- To treat inter- or pertrochanteric femoral fractures.
- For unstable subtrochanteric fractures requiring strong internal support.
- To manage fractures in osteoporotic or elderly patients.
- To enable early mobilization and reduce complications from immobility.
Essential Equipment for Proximal Femoral Nail Surgery
- Locking Profile Cancellous Screw (for stable fixation in spongy bone).
- Orthopaedic Probe (for tissue and bone exploration).
- Orthopedic Curette (for debridement at fracture site).
- Regular (Titanium) Washer (for load distribution under screws).
- Orthopedic Puncture Needle (for guiding or aspiration near bone).
- Arthroscopy Instruments Set – e.g., graspers and punch forceps (used in fracture assessment or minimally invasive visualization).
- Arthroscopy Shaver System or Blade (to clear debris or cartilage during evaluation).
- Arthroscopy Sheath (for maintaining clear visual access if arthroscopy is used adjunctively).
- Orthopedic Meniscotome (rarely, but potentially used in arthroscopic joint evaluation).
(Note: While not specific PFN nails, these instruments and fixation hardware are integral in proximal femoral nailing procedures.)
Top 5 Countries Performing Proximal Femoral Nail Surgery (most to least)
- India
- United States
- Germany
- Japan
- United Kingdom
Clinical Outcomes and Benefits
- Enables strong internal support, reducing risk of fracture displacement.
- Promotes early weight-bearing and shorter recovery time.
- Minimally invasive approach preserves soft tissue and blood supply.
- Lowers complication rates (e.g., infection, fixation failure) compared to open methods.
- Supports accurate anatomical alignment through guided instrumentation.
Advin Health Care is a leading manufacturer of Proximal Femoral Nail Surgery-related products, offering high-quality fixation hardware and surgical instruments that support reliable and precise orthopedic trauma care.
Get Connected:
+91 98989 50530 | ortho@advinhealthcare.com | www.advinortho.com