[Suitability of computer-assisted femoral intramedullary nailing for control of torsion and length : Systematic review of clinical studies].

BACKGROUND: Despite promising results in experimental studies, computer-assisted femoral intramedullary nailing has not become established in the clinical practice for most orthopedic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of computer-assisted reduction and nailing of femoral fractures as reported in clinical studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic analysis of the available literature on the clinical application of computer-assisted femoral intramedullary nailing (Pubmed, Cochrane library and Embase) was carried out. Studies published up to May 2017 were included.

RESULTS: A total of three articles were included in this meta-analysis. All studies showed a relevant increase in total operating time and radiation exposure time with the use of computer-assisted femoral intramedullary nailing. The clinical results for computer-assisted nailing with respect to femoral torsion and length tended to be slightly better but the results were very heterogeneous.

CONCLUSION: Our analysis could show that computer-assisted femoral intramedullary nailing is clinically feasible but the operative and fluoroscopy time needed are high and the reported postoperative results for femoral length and torsion were very heterogeneous. Further comparative studies are needed in the future.