Purpose The current techniques used to lock distal screws for the nailing of long bone fractures expose the surgeons, radiologists and patients to a hearty dose of ionizing radi- ation. The SureshotTM Distal Targeting System is a new technique that, with the same results, allows for shorter surgery times and, consequently, less exposure to radiation. Materials and methods The study was performed on 59 patients (34 males and 25 females) with a simple humerus fracture diagnosis, type 1.2.A according to the AO classi- fication, who were divided into two groups. Group 1 was treated with ante-grade intramedullary nailing with distal locking screws inserted with a freehand technique. Group 2 was treated with the intramedullary nail using the Sure- shotTM Distal Targeting System. Two intra-operative time parameters were evaluated in both groups: the time needed for the positioning of the distal locking screws and the time of exposure to ionizing radiations during this procedure. Results Group 2 showed a lower average distal locking time compared to group 1 (645.4800 vs. 1023.5700) and also a lower average time of exposure to ionizing radiation than in group 1 (4.3500 vs. 28.9600).udConclusion The SureshotTM Distal Targeting System has proven to be equally effective when compared to the tra- ditional techniques, with the added benefits of a significant reduction in both surgical time and risk factors related to the exposure to ionizing radiation for all the operating room staff and the patient.
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