High Speed Nailing for Bone Fracture Fixation: A Finite Element Penetration Model to Examine Nail Tip Design

A novel method of bone fracture fixation has been proposed in which small-diameter bioresorbable nails/pins are inserted across the fracture site using a device similar to that of a pneumatic nail gun [1]. Multiple nails inserted at varying angles can prevent translation and rotation of any bone fragments allowing healing to progress uninhibited. High velocity insertion would reduce surgical time; the nail would create its own entry incision so a drilled pilot hole would be unnecessary. A self-contained nailer, preloaded with sterile nail cartridges, could improve surgical outcomes in non-ideal operating conditions such as those encountered in military field hospitals. The bioresorbable nature of the pins would also mitigate the need for potentially risky removal surgery [1].