OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical feasibility and effect of the computer-assisted auto-frame navigation system for distal locking of tibial intramedullary nails.

METHODSThe hardware components of the system included a PC computer with a monitor, auto mechanical stereotactical localization cubic frame, foot holder and localization operative apparatus. Special navigation software can be used for registration of X-ray fluoroscopic images and real-time controlling navigation of tools. Twenty-one cases of close tibial and fibular fractures were treated with closed intramedullary nailing, 6 of which involved in middle third, 12 in middle and lower third, 3 in lower third. C-arm alignment and registration time, fluoroscopic time and drilling time involved in the locking procedure were recorded. The size of unreamed or reamed tibial nails ranged from 8/300-11/330.

RESULTSAll distal holes except 1 were locked successfully. In 9 of 41 locked holes (21.95%), the drill bit touched the canal of locking hole without damage of the nail and clinical consequences. The fluoroscopy time per pair of screws was 2.23+/-0.31 s.

CONCLUSIONSThe computer-assisted auto-frame navigation system for distal locking is well designed, easy to operate and do not need additional instruments during the procedure. The developed system enables the physician to precisely navigate surgical instruments throughout the anatomy using just a few computer-calibrated radiographic images. The total time of X-ray exposure per procedure can be significantly reduced.