A Simple and Easy Intramedullary Lavage Method to Prevent Embolism During and After Reamed Long Bone Nailing

Abstract

Reaming of the long bones is widely practiced because it allows for improved healing and early mobilization in patients needing surgical debridement of bone tissue. The insertion of reamed intramedullary nails can cause complications such as bone necrosis, cortical blood supply damage, and fat or bone marrow embolism. We describe a novel way to limit the amount of material in the canal before nail insertion to limit the chances of embolism.