Freehand ‘Figure 4’ technique for tibial intramedullary nailing: introduction of technique and review of 87 cases

Intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures is commonplace, and freehand operative techniques are increasingly popular. The standard freehand method has the knee of the injured leg flexed over a radiolucent bolster. This requires the theatre fluoroscope to swing from antero-posterior to lateral position several times. Furthermore, guide wire placement, reaming and nail insertion are all performed well above most surgeons’ shoulder height. Alternatively the leg is hung over the edge of the table, and the assistant must crouch and hold the leg until the nail is passed beyond the fracture. We describe a freehand figure 4 position technique for tibial nailing which is easier both for the surgeons and the radiographer, and present a series of 87 consecutive cases utilising this method.