Fin Nail - Sign IM Nail and Interlocking Screw System Technique Manual

Description
The SIGN intramedullary fin nail is designed so the fin
takes the place of the distal interlocking screw, figure 1.
Proper technique including location of the fin will optimize
the fixation. The fin should end in the isthmus of the femur.
The fin comes in sizes 8mm, 9mm,
Please note the femoral canal is oblong so on one view of
the post-op x-ray the fin appears to be surrounded by bone
and the other x-ray reveals a gap between canal and fin on
one side.

Fin nail

SIGN is now manufacturing
8 – 10mm diameter, 240mm length and 9 - 10mm diameter, 280mm length fin nails for use in
femur and humeral fractures, figure 2.
NOTE: The nail length, such as 240mm, refers to the
distance between the nail notch (at the proximal end
of nail) and the end of the flutes as shown above,
figure 2.
SIGN reamers are designed with marks at 240mm, 280mm
and 320mm, figure 5. The marks show the reaming depth
of the LAST reamer used for the corresponding nail.
Indications
1. Location of the fracture. The fracture should be
located so that the fin of the nail rests in the isthmus of
the femur, figure 3. Fractures of the femur may be
treated in retrograde or antegrade and fractures of the
humerus may be treated antegrade. It is important to
use the template to estimate the length of the nail.
2. The fracture should be stable. We started using the fin
in stable fractures. This protocol has been expanded
so we must keep records. Follow up is essential so we
can modify the indications for the fin nail.
SIGN Technique for FIN NAIL
240mm
Fig. 2
34
Fig. 1
Cross section of fins
seated in bony canal
240mm
Fin nail
Fig. 3
Fin should be placed here.
The nail template will indicate
whether antegrade or retrograde
approach is optimal. Use
antegrade if you have a choice.
Use non-fractured side x-ray for
template.