TEN

Titanium ElasticNail

Surgical Technique

Original instruments and implants of the Association

for the Study of Internal Fixation AO/ASIF

TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Table of contents

System description

Indications/Contraindications

Standard surgical technique

Assembly and handling instructions for the

Cutter for TEN

11

Additional applications

12

Implant removal

21

Case studies

22

Bibliography

25

Image intensifier control

Warning
This description is not sufficient for immediate application
of the instrumentation. Instruction by a surgeon experienced in
handling this instrumentation is highly recommended.

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TEN Titanium ElasticNail

System description

The aim of this biological, minimally invasive fracture treatment

is to achieve a level of reduction and stabilisation that is appropriate to the age of the child.
The biomechanical principle of the elastically-stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is based on the symmetrical bracing action of two elastic nails inserted into the metaphysis, each of
which bears against the inner bone at three points. This produces the following four biomechanical properties: flexural stability, axial stability, translational stability and rotational stability.
All four are essential for achieving optimal results (Ref.: Dietz et
al. 1997).

Axial stability

Flexural stability

R
S

S
C

Translational stability

Rotational stability
F

R
F

F
F
R

F = force acting on the bone

R = restoring force of the nail

S = shear force
C = compressive force
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TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Indications/Contraindications

Elastically-stable intramedullary nailing with the TEN Titanium

ElasticNail is used primarily for the management of diaphyseal
and metaphyseal fractures in children. Whether the TEN is indicated or not depends upon the age of the patient and the type
and site of the fracture.
All three factors must be considered together.
Age
The age limit depends on the biological development of the
child. Experience has shown that the lower limit is 34 years
and the upper limit 1315 years.

Type of fracture
transverse fractures
short oblique or transverse fractures with broken-off wedges
long oblique fractures with the possibility of cortical support
spiral fractures
multi-fragment and bifocal fractures
pathological fractures with juvenile bone cysts

Fracture site
femur: diaphyseal
distal femur: metaphyseal
femur: subtrochanteric
lower leg: diaphyseal
lower leg: distal metaphyseal
humerus: diaphyseal and subcapital
humerus: supracondylar
radius and ulna: shaft
radius: neck

Other possible special indications:

humerus and forearm in adults
polytrauma in combination with craniocerebral trauma,
even outside the age range specified above
prophylactic stabilization with juvenile bone cysts
osteogenesis imperfecta

Contraindications
intraarticular fractures
complex femoral fractures, particularly in connection with
overweight (5060 kg) and/or age (1516 years)

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TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Standard surgical technique

This surgical technique is explained using the example of a

femoral shaft fracture and the ascending technique. Variants of
this standard technique are described in Additional applications on page 12.
Careful preoperative planning, the correct choice of implant
and a precise rotation check on the basis of the non-operated
extremity are all vital for a good surgical result.

1
Position child
Place the child in a supine position on a radiolucent operating
table. The extension table can be used for larger children.
Secure small children to the operating table. The assistant extends the injured extremity. Free positioning allows better control of the nail position and rotation. Position the image intensifier so that AP and lateral X-rays can be recorded over the full
length of the femur.

2
Reduce fracture
If the extension table is used, reduce the fracture
preoperatively, while closed, under image intensifier control. If
the child is freely positioned, the fracture is reduced during the
operation. For complex fractures, cover both legs with sterile
sheets so that a rotation comparison can be performed during
operation.
Fracture reduction can be facilitated by the use of the small
F-tool (359.209). Position the F-tool at the level of the fracture
so that the two identically aligned arms of the lever bring the
fragments into the desired position.

3
Determine nail diameter
Measure the isthmus of the medullary cavity on the X-ray
image. The diameter of the individual nail (A) should be
3040% of the diameter of the medullary cavity (B). Choose
nails with identical diameter to avoid varus or valgus malpositioning.

A = 13 B
B

3 B

A = 13 B

4
Determine nail insertion points
For the ascending technique, the insertion points on the femur
are 12 cm proximal to the distal epiphyseal plate. In children,
this is about one fingerbreadth proximal to the upper pole of
the patella.

12 cm

If necessary, check the intended insertion points under the

image intensifier.

5
Perform incisions
Make the opposing medial and lateral skin incisions at the
planned insertion points and cut distally for 34 cm, depending
on the size of the child. On the lateral side especially, the incision of the fascia should be of the same length.
Important: Ensure that the insertion points are outside the
joint capsule and be careful to avoid the epiphyseal plates.

6
Open medullary cavity
Precisely matched opening of the medullary cavity on both
sides is essential for optimal symmetrical bracing.
Divide the fascia lata over a sufficient length. Vertically insert
the Awl (359.213) down to the bone and firmly make a centre
mark. With rotating movements, lower the awl down to an angle of 45 in relation to the shaft axis and continue perforating
the cortical bone at an upward angle. The opening should be
slightly larger than the selected nail diameter.

45

Check the position and insertion depth of the awl with the
image intensifier.
Repeat this procedure for access on the opposite side.
Alternative
If the cortical bone is very hard, open up the medullary cavity
with the corresponding Drill Bit (315.280/290/480) and the
Double Drill Guide 4.5/3.2 (312.460). Check the position and
insertion depth of the drill bit with the image intensifier.
Note: Lower the drill by 45 only when the drill is running,
otherwise the tip may break.
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Pre-bend nails

3d

We recommend pre-bending of the implanted part of the nails

to three times the diameter of the medullary canal. The vertex
of the arch should be located at the level of the fracture zone.
The nail tip should form the continuation of the arch. Pre-bend
both nails in exactly the same way.
Note: The pressure applied internally can be increased by prebending the nails to a smaller diameter, thus shifting the nail
crossover points more towards the metaphyses. This can increase the stability in complex fractures.

8
Load first nail in the inserter
Load the first nail in the inserter (359.219). Align the laser
marking on the end of the nail with one of the guide markings
on the inserter (laser markings at the tip, asymmetrical transverse bolts at the end). This permits direct visual control of the
alignment and rotation of the nail tip in the bone without an
image intensifier, thus preventing excessive crossover of the
nails (corkscrew effect).
Tighten the nail in the inserter in the desired position using the
Pin Wrench (321.170) or the Spanner Wrench (321.250).
Alternative
Use the long Inserter (359.201) or the Universal Drill Chuck with
T-Handle (393.100). Do not, under any circumstances, strike the
universal drill chuck with T-handle with a hammer.

TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Standard surgical technique

9
1

Insert first nail

Insert the nail into the medullary cavity with the nail tip at right
angles to the bone shaft (1). Turn the inserter through 180 (2)
and align the nail tip with the axis of the medullary cavity (3). If
necessary, check the position of the nail tip with the image intensifier.

180

Note: The laser marking on the end of the nail shows the nail
tip alignment. This facilitates nail insertion and helps reduce
the X-ray exposure time.

10
Advance first nail to the fracture zone
Advance the nail manually up to the fracture site, using rotating movements or gentle taps of the Combined Hammer
(359.221) against the striking surface of the inserter. Do not
strike the T-pieces.
Option
If more forceful hammer blows prove necessary, or if the
nail needs to be moved back and forth in a targeted manner to
achieve fracture reduction, screw the Hammer Guide (359.218)
firmly into the inserter, if necessary with the aid of the pin
wrench (321.170). Use the combined hammer or Slotted
Hammer (357.026).

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Insert second nail
Repeat steps 8 to 10 for the second nail at the opposing
insertion point, thereby producing the first crossover of the
nails.

12
Advance nails
If necessary, perform indirect fracture reduction either
by turning the nails, pulling the leg or using the F-tool. Then
advance the nails alternately across the fracture zone. Survey
the passage of the nails with the image intensifier in both
planes also on the other side of the fracture zone.
Note: Any nails that buckle as a result of the reduction
manipulations must be replaced and discarded.

TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Standard surgical technique

13
Check position of nail tips
Correctly align the nail tips in the proximal fragment in relation
to the medullary cavity in the frontal plane. If the tips are
correctly located, advance the nails in a proximal direction until
the fracture is secured. The tips of the nails should only just
reach the metaphysis (A). Ensure that the nails cross over for the
second time only after they have passed the fracture zone.

Note: Do not, under any circumstances, turn the nail through

more than 180 about its own axis or produce a corkscrew
effect (more than two nail crossover points).

14
Check rotation
When the fracture is provisionally but firmly fixed, check rotation before final anchoring and, if necessary, align the nail tips
correctly. If an extension table is used, aseptically release the leg
from the extension so that the image intensifier can be used to
check the axial alignment in the proximal femur.

Synthes

B
A

15
Trim nails
The nails must be trimmed to the desired length during the operation. The ideal cutting point is measured from the bone to
the distal end of the nail.
Starting at the proximal end, estimate the distance (X) between
the current position of the nail tips (A) and the definitive anchoring position (B) on the image intensifier projection. This distance plus an extraction length of approx. 1 cm (Y) produces the
distance from the bone to the cutting point.
The nails can be trimmed using the Cutter for TEN (359.217).
See page 11 for assembly and handling instructions.
Note: Excessively long nail ends result in pseudobursa formation and prevent free flexion of the knee. They can also perforate the skin and cause infections.

16
Final positioning and anchoring of nails
Advance the nails to the planned final position by applying gentle hammer taps to the bevelled Impactor (359.206).
The bevelled part of the impactor must reach the cortical bone.
This will ensure a projection of approx. 1 cm (Y) for subsequent
removal.
Bend the nail ends upwards slightly with the bevelled impactor
to facilitate subsequent implant removal.
Option
If deeper insertion of the nails is desired, apply careful taps with
the straight Impactor (359.205).

10

X
Y

TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Assembly and handling instructions for

the Cutter for TEN (359.217)

Handle
359.217.004

Loosen the stop nut on the cutter and turn the inner cutting
bolt to the neutral position, i.e. engage the cutting bolt so that
the lettering TOP is at the top. Retighten the stop nut.
Introduce the nail end to be cut through the appropriate opening of the cutting sleeve until the black marker ring on the outside of the sleeve reaches the desired cutting point on the nail.
Locate the handle with ratchet over the cutting bolt and trim
the nail.

Stop Nut
359.217.003
Cutting Bolt
359.217.001

After trimming, open the stop nut and remove the cut nail end.
If the cutting surface of the cutting bolt has become roughened, send the cutter to your Synthes representative for
regrinding.
Cutting Sleeve
359.217.002

2.5, 2.0 mm

4.0 mm, 3.5 mm

B
X
A
3.0 mm

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TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Additional applications

Femur Descending technique

13

Radius and ulna

15

Radial neck

16

Humerus Ascending technique

17

Humerus Descending technique

18

Lower leg

19

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TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Femur Descending technique

The descending monolateral technique is preferable for fractures of the distal third of the femur or the distal metaphysis.
The fixation of metaphyseal fractures with the nailing technique
does not correspond to the same biomechanical principles as
the fixation of shaft fractures. However, a correct inner support
for the stabilisation of the nail tips and therefore of the metaphyseal fragment must be guaranteed.
Note the following deviations from the standard
technique (pp. 410):

0.5 1 cm

Determine nail insertion points

For the descending technique, the monolateral insertion points
are located antero-laterally in the subtrochanteric area. They are
separated from each other vertically by approx.
12 cm and horizontally by 0.51 cm.
Note: The bone may split during nail insertion if the insertion
points are placed too close to each other.

12 cm

Perform incisions
The incisions should be 4 5 cm long so as to expose the femur
through a short L-shaped cut in the M. vastus lateralis.

Pre-bend nails
To ensure correct internal bracing, i.e. with 3-point support,
bend one of the nails into an S-shape so that the bracing occurs
at the level of the fracture zone ( ).

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2
1

Insert first nail

Introduce the simply pre-bent nail, reduce the fracture with the
nail and achieve primary stabilisation.
Insert second nail
Insert the S-shaped pre-bent nail (1). After the first contact with
the cortical bone on the opposite side, turn the nail through
180 (2).

Final positioning and anchoring of nails

Advance the nails to the epiphyseal plate and align the nail tips
so that they diverge from each other.

14

180

TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Radius and ulna

In the forearm the two bones are nailed in a counter-rotating

manner using just one nail for each bone, since the radius and
ulna form a single unit together with the interosseous membrane.
Note the following deviations from the standard
technique for the femur (pp. 4 10):

Determine nail diameter

The nail diameter should be about two thirds of the medullary
isthmus.

Determine nail insertion points/Perform incisions

Radius: Splint the radius with the ascending technique. The insertion point is approx. 2 cm proximal to the distal epiphyseal
plate. From this point make a 23 cm incision on the radial side
proceeding distally. Expose the superficial branch of the radial
nerve and retract to one side.
Ulna: Splint the ulna with the descending technique. The insertion point is about 2 cm distal to the apophyseal plate. Make
the incision on the dorsoradial side, sparing the olecranon
apophysis.

Insert nails
Advance the nails from the distal radius and the proximal ulna
up to the fracture site.
Ideally, the bone that is most difficult to reduce (usually the radius) should be splinted first since this allows better fracture reduction.

180

Note: If neither the radius nor the ulna can be reduced

after several attempts, a muscle interposition is the most likely
cause. In such cases, the fracture can be reduced openly
through a small incision over the fracture site of one of the
bones.

Final positioning and anchoring of nails

Align the nails so that the tips point toward each other, thereby
providing oval bracing of the interosseous membrane. The
bones take up their normal curved position.
To avoid skin irritation, the nail ends should not project from the
bone by more than 56 mm.
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TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Radial neck

Because of its flexibility, the TEN is very suitable for the closed
reduction and fixation of neck and head fractures of the radius.
Do not pre-bend the nails for these indications.
Note the following deviations from the standard
technique for the femur (pp. 410):

Determine nail diameter

Select a
2.0 or 2.5 mm nail for reducing a fractured neck of
radius.

Insert nail
Insert the nail as for a normal radius fracture.
Advance nail to the fracture zone
Advance the nail up to the fracture with gentle hammer taps
and rotating movements. In the event of severe dislocation, apply external pressure to the head of the radius to place it in
front of the nail tip.
A severely dislocated head of radius can be moved toward the
nail and reduced with the aid of a
1.2 or 1.6 mm Kirschner
wire (joystick method).
Final positioning and anchoring of nail
Decompact the fracture by applying slight axial pressure to the
nail. Reduce the fracture definitively by rotating the nail through
180.

Final position

16

TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Humerus Ascending technique

The ascending, monolateral nail technique is used for fractures

of the proximal humerus and the humeral shaft, while the descending monolateral technique is used for fractures of the distal humerus.
Note the following deviations from the standard
technique for the femur (pp. 4 10):
Ascending technique
Perform ascending nailing of the humerus as for the descending nailing of the femur.

Determine nail insertion points

Choose a radial approach for the ascending technique.
An ulnar approach risks damaging the ulnar nerve and must be
avoided.
The distal insertion point is located 12 cm above the epiphyseal plate. The second insertion point is located about 12 cm
proximal to the first and is displaced medially by 0.5 1 cm.

0.5 1 cm

12 cm
12 cm

Perform incision
Make a 45 cm lateral incision above the radial epicondyle. Expose the radial edge of the humerus on the ventral side of the
intermuscular septum.

Open medullary cavity

Ideally, a drill should be used to open up the very hard cortical
bone.

Final position

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TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Humerus Descending technique

Descending technique
Perform descending nailing of the humerus as for the ascending technique.
Note the following deviations from the ascending
technique for the humerus (p. 17):

Determine nail insertion points

For the descending technique, the insertion points are located
on the lateral humerus level with the attachment point of
the deltoid muscle. The nail insertion points are separated from
each other vertically by 1.52.5 cm and horizontally by
0.51 cm.

Perform incision
Make a 4 5 cm skin incision and expose the subperiosteal
humerus distal to the insertion point.

Final position

18

TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Lower leg

Indications
Lower leg and isolated tibial fractures should preferably be
treated conservatively.
Lower leg fractures constitute a special indication for internal
fixation by TEN. Nailing is indicated in:
closed, unstable lower leg fractures from the age of 9
irreducible and non-retainable fractures
polytrauma and severe craniocerebral trauma
Since the tibia is positioned off-centre in relation to the
surrounding muscles and since it possesses a triangular crosssection, particular care is indicated when placing the nails.
Always nail the tibia using the descending technique. Do not
use the ascending technique for the tibia.
Note the following deviations from the standard
technique for the femur (pp. 4 10):

Determine nail insertion points

The nail insertion points are located on the medial and lateral
sides of the tibial tuberosity.

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Perform incisions
Make a 23 cm skin incision from each planned insertion point
in the cranial direction.
Note: Do not damage the proximal tibial epiphyseal plate and
tibial apophysis during perforation of the cortical bone.

Check position of nail tips

Because of the triangular shape of the tibial medullary canal,
both nails tend to lie dorsally, which would result in recurvation.
Before hammering the nails home, turn the tips of both nails
slightly posteriorly so as to achieve the physiological antecurvation of the tibia.
Note: Compress the fracture to prevent fixation in distraction.

Trim nails
In view of the minimal soft tissue cover, keep the nail ends short
and do not bend upward.

20

TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Implant removal

Remove implants
The following description for removing the TEN is independent
of the indication.
Enter through the old incision site and expose the nail end.
Using the Extraction Pliers (359.215) grasp the nail, bend
upward slightly and withdraw. If the nail end is tight up against
the bone, the bevelled Impactor (359.206) can be used to
help bend the end upward.

Option
If necessary, screw the Hammer Guide (359.218) tightly into the
connecting thread of the extraction pliers using the
4.5 mm
Pin Wrench (321.170) and knock the nail out by firm blows
along the hammer guide with the Combined Hammer
(359.221).
Repeat the procedure for the second nail.
Alternative
Remove the nails using the flat-nosed Pliers (359.204) and the
combined hammer or the 500 g Hammer (399.420).

nderungen vorbehalten.

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TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Case studies

Femur Standard technique (pp. 410)

Preoperative

Postoperative

Femur Descending technique (pp. 13/14)

Preoperative

22

Postoperative

Union

Radius and ulna (p. 15)

Preoperative

Postoperative

Union

Radial neck (p. 16)

Preoperative

Union

Reduction

Humerus Ascending technique (p. 17)

Preoperative

Postoperative

Union

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TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Case studies

Humerus Descending technique (p. 18)

Preoperative

Postoperative

Union

Postoperative

Union

Lower leg (p. 19/20)

Preoperative

Scientific consultant and X-ray material by

Dr. T. Slongo, Inselspital/Berne, Switzerland

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TEN Titanium ElasticNail

Bibliography

Dietz HG et al (1997) Intramedullre Osteosynthese im Wachstumsalter. Urban & Schwarzenberg, Mnchen

Ligier JN, Mtaizeau JP, Prvot J, Lascombes P (1988)
Elastic stable intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in
children. J Bone Joint Surg; 70-B: 74-7
Mtaizeau JP (1988) Ostosynthse chez lenfant par E.C.M.E.S.
Sauramps Mdical, Montpellier
Rehli V, Slongo T (1991) Die elastisch-stabile endomedulre
Schienung (EES) nach Prvot Eine ideale Methode zur
Versorgung kindlicher Schaftfrakturen. Z Unfallchir Versicherungsmed 84: 177-81
Texhammar R, Colton C (1994) AO-Instrumente und
-Implantate. Springer, Berlin

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Manufacturer: Stratec Medical

Eimattstrasse 3, CH-4436 Oberdorf
www.synthes.com

Presented by:

036.000.207

0123

SM_707822 AA

Stratec Medical 2004

Printed in Switzerland

LAG

Subject to modifications.