Undetected iatrogenic lesions of the anterior femoral shaft during intramedullary nailing: a cadaveric study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The incidence of undetected radiographically iatrogenic longitudinal splitting in the anterior cortex during intramedullary nailing of the femur has not been well documented.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cadaveric study using nine pairs of fresh-frozen femora from adult cadavers. The nine pairs of femora underwent a standardized antegrade intramedullary nailing and the detection of iatrogenic lesions, if any, was performed macroscopically and by radiographic control.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Longitudinal splitting in the anterior cortex was revealed in 5 of 18 cadaver femora macroscopically. Anterior splitting was not detectable in radiographic control.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Longitudinal splitting in the anterior cortex during intramedullary nailing of the femur cannot be detected radiographically.</p