A SURGICAL GUIDE TO ACCURATELY PLACE PINS OR NAILS WITHIN THE FEMORAL HEAD

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the accuracy of a novel, surgically useful guide that could place a drill or pin within the femoral head. The radiolucent guide for attachment to the lateral femoral cortex was tested for reproducibility on cadaveric specimens simulating a surgical procedure. The guide allows selection of the three-degree freedom angle of insertion of a drill or pin via two circular channels allowing anterior–posterior or superior–inferior adjustment. The guide can accurately place a pin tip within 2.5–3.8 mm of a desired location. We conclude this guide could be used to accurately place a fibular graft in an osteonecrotic lesion, or place pins or nails during many different surgical procedures such as fractures or slipped capital femoral epiphysis.