The history of intramedullary nailing for the treatment of long bone fractures and nonunions is long and storied. From the earliest recorded examples in 16th century Mexico to the current procedures of today, there has been an evolution of design, materials, and basic science principles, which has resulted in a well accepted and successful technique for the past several decades. Interestingly, throughout the early history of intramedullary nailing, these advances in method, principle, and design appear to parallel advances in anesthetic and aseptic techniques, allowing for routine operative care of fractures to emerge. Although intramedullary nailing is now the standard of care for the treatment of most diaphyseal lower extremity fractures, introduction of the technique was met with a great deal of skepticism in both Europe and North America during the first half of the 20th century. In the latter half of the 20th century, intramedullary nailing of long bone fractures revolutionized the care of the multiply injured patient.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
The history of intramedullary nailing for the treatment of long bone fractures and nonunions is long and storied. From the earliest recorded examples in 16th century Mexico to the current procedures of today, there has been an evolution of design, materials, and basic science principles, which has resulted in a well accepted and successful technique for the past several decades. Interestingly, throughout the early history of intramedullary nailing, these advances in method, principle, and design appear to parallel advances in anesthetic and aseptic techniques, allowing for routine operative care of fractures to emerge. Although intramedullary nailing is now the standard of care for the treatment of most diaphyseal lower extremity fractures, introduction of the technique was met with a great deal of skepticism in both Europe and North America during the first half of the 20th century. In the latter half of the 20th century, intramedullary nailing of long bone fractures revolutionized the care of the multiply injured patient.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.