Intramedullary fixation of distal radius fractures.

Intramedullary fixation is the latest in a variety of techniques that have been developed to manage distal radius fractures. Intramedullary nailing of these fractures combines the soft-tissue advantages of a less invasive surgical approach with the biomechanical advantages of locking screw technology. These features may enable an accelerated postoperative rehabilitation and quicker return to function. Disadvantages associated with the intramedullary technique include the necessity of a closed or percutaneous reduction and the inability of the implant to adequately stabilize intraarticular or highly comminuted fractures. Consequently, intramedullary implants are primarily indicated for fixation of extra-articular or simple intraarticular split patterns and should not be employed for management of volar or dorsal shear fractures. Preliminary clinical data is emerging in the form of short-term follow-up studies with limited numbers of study participants.