THE VALUE of nailing fractures of the neck of the femur is beyond doubt, but a high percentage of unsatisfactory late results (pseudarthrosis, necrosis of the head of the femur, redislocations) shows that all problems pertaining to nailing are not entirely solved. Much attention should be paid to its mechanical and technical aspects.
The following points should be noted by the surgeon in nailing fractures of the femoral neck:
1. The osteosynthesis must be stable, because immobility in the fractural space is absolutely essential for osseous healing.
2. The technique should be as simple as possible so that each surgeon is able to work with a minimum amount of instruments and other complicated apparatus.
3. The incision should be as small as possible and the operative trauma minimal, as fractures of the neck of the femur usually happen in elderly persons. This point of view is very important, especially in