Synthes
7
Open Proximal Femur
1
Position patient
Instrument
394.35* Large Distractor
Position the patient in the lateral decubitus or supine
position on a fracture or radiolucent table. Position the
image intensifier to enable visualization of the proximal
femur in both the AP and lateral planes.
For unimpeded access to the medullary canal, abduct
the upper part of the body approximately 10–15° to the
contralateral side (or adduct the affected leg by 10–15°).
Reduce the fracture. The universal large distractor may
be useful when not using a fracture table.
2
Determine femoral neck angle
Instruments
357.391 Radiographic Ruler
357.399 3.2 mm Guide Wire, 400 mm
The three oblique slots at the proximal end of the radiographic
ruler can be used to determine the femoral neck angle. Select
a 3.2 mm guide wire and clamp the guide wire into one of
the grooves marked 125°, 130°, or 135°. Position the ruler
over the proximal femur and take an AP image. Select the an-
gle that most closely matches the angle of the femoral neck.
10°–15°
Affected leg
* Also available
