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Determine nail length
(For nails 300 mm – 460 mm)
Instrument
357.391 Radiographic Ruler for TFN
Position the image intensifier for an AP view of the proximal
femur. With long forceps, clamp the guide wire in the appro-
priate neck angle position as previously determined. Place
the radiographic ruler over the femur. Adjust the radio -
graphic ruler until the guide wire is centered in the femoral
head. Mark the skin at the proximal end of the ruler.
Move the image intensifier to the distal femur, replace the
proximal end of the radiographic ruler at the skin mark and
take an AP image of the distal femur. Verify fracture reduc-
tion. Read nail length directly from the ruler image, selecting
the measurement that places the distal end of the nail at,
or just proximal to, the physeal scar, or the chosen insertion
depth.
Alternative technique
Instrument
360.255 Measuring Device for Reaming Rod for TFN
Nail length may also be determined by using the reaming rod
measuring device and a 950 mm reaming rod or guide rod.
Insert the reaming rod to hold fracture reduction. Position
the image intensifier over the distal femur and take an image
to confirm reaming rod insertion depth. Pass the reaming
rod measuring device over the proximal end of the reaming
rod and through the incision to the bone. Read nail length
directly from the measuring device.
TFN – Titanium Trochanteric Fixation Nail System
Technique Guide
Synthes
11