FIN Without Image Intensification

Flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) is performed using closed reduction whenever possible. The Healing process mainly relies on formation of external callus and endosteal callus, which is clearly enhanced by the presence of the intramedullary nails (see Chap. 2).

Our experience shows that open fractures and/or fractures treated by open reduction following unsuccessful external maneuvers have delayed healing. Still, no nonunions have been reported (Fig. 6.1), and postoperative course is hardly affected, since the nails provide effective protection against refracture caused by low-energy trauma.