• Johannes Frank, Bernd Gritzbach, Christian Winter, Bernd Maier, and Ingo Marzi.
• Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany. J.frank@trauma.uni-frankfurt.de.
• Eur J Trauma Emerg S. 2010 Apr 1;36(2):151-6.

IntroductionWhen using intramedullary nailing of femur fractures false axis alignment or malrotation is the greatest deterrent to successful reduction often causing extended x-ray exposure and the need to revert to an open procedure. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the advantages of using a trauma navigation system during intramedullary nailing of femur fractures.Materials And MethodsA fluoroscopic navigation unit was used and successful closed fracture reduction, x-ray exposure, and operation time were measured. Between 2004 and 2007 19 patients receiving intramedullary nailing of femur fractures using a Stryker trauma navigation system were included in the study. The results were compared to 10 conventionally operated femur fractures between 2003 and 2006.ResultsThe study demonstrated an important reduction of radiation time and less needs for reverting to open reduction.ConclusionBased on these findings we conclude that the use of a trauma navigation system during fracture reduction has clear advantages. These are based primarily on its ability to provide 3-dimensional viewing of the fracture during the reduction procedure. This eliminates the need for multiple positioning adjustments of the x-ray C-arm from horizontal to vertical for better viewing and in doing so reduced radiation time and needs for open reduction.

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