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The Expert R/AFN (Retrograde/Antegrade Femoral Nail) is a highly versatile and comprehensive intramedullary fixation system engineered for the treatment of a broad spectrum of femoral fractures. The defining feature of this nail is its design, which allows it to be implanted from two different surgical approaches: an antegrade approach from the hip, or a retrograde approach from the knee. This dual-approach capability makes it an ideal solution for fractures of the femoral shaft, as well as for fractures of the distal and proximal femur. The nail's anatomical curvature and multiple locking options provide superior stability and a secure fit, crucial for a minimally invasive technique and a successful recovery.
Expert R/AFN. Retrograde /Antegrade Femoral Nail
TOOLMED
Product Description
The nail’s design allows for surgical insertion via both the antegrade (from the greater trochanter) and retrograde (from the distal femur) approaches, providing flexibility for different fracture patterns and patient conditions.
The nail is pre-bent with an anatomical curvature that fits the femoral canal, simplifying insertion from either a proximal or distal entry point while providing a close, stable fit.
Both the proximal and distal ends of the nail feature multiple locking holes, allowing for static or dynamic locking to achieve optimal stability for different fracture patterns, including those close to the knee joint.
The nail is cannulated, which allows for insertion over a guide wire to ensure accurate placement and a minimally invasive surgical technique.
Crafted from a high-quality titanium alloy, the implant offers superior strength, biocompatibility, and fatigue resistance for long-term support and reliable fixation.
The Expert R/AFN is primarily indicated for the stable fixation of a wide variety of femoral shaft fractures, including transverse, oblique, spiral, and comminuted fractures.
It is particularly useful for fractures of the distal femur and for subtrochanteric fractures, where the choice of a retrograde or antegrade approach can be critical for surgical success.
The implant is an ideal choice for polytrauma patients with associated ipsilateral fractures of the tibia, hip, or pelvis, as it can be implanted without disturbing other injuries.
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The Expert R/AFN is a highly versatile intramedullary fixation system designed for the treatment of a broad range of femoral fractures. The R/AFN stands for Retrograde/Antegrade Femoral Nail, which refers to its defining feature: the ability to be inserted into the medullary canal from two different entry points—either proximally from the hip or distally from the knee. This unique capability provides surgeons with exceptional flexibility to choose the most appropriate surgical approach based on the location of the fracture and the presence of any other injuries, making it a cornerstone for complex trauma cases.
The primary application of the Expert R/AFN is for the fixation of femoral shaft fractures. However, its true value lies in its ability to address fractures that are close to the knee or hip joints. For fractures of the distal femur (near the knee), the retrograde approach is often the preferred method, as it allows for stable fixation without a large incision on the thigh.
Conversely, for femoral shaft fractures or those with proximal extension, the antegrade approach provides excellent access. This versatility makes the nail an ideal solution for polytrauma patients with multiple injuries, as it allows the surgeon to address a femoral fracture without interfering with injuries to the hip, pelvis, or ipsilateral tibia.
Its comprehensive design ensures a stable construct for a wide range of fracture patterns, from simple to highly comminuted.
The Expert R/AFN offers several key advantages due to its dual-approach design. The flexibility to choose the surgical approach allows surgeons to tailor the procedure to the specific fracture and patient needs, which can lead to reduced surgical time and a lower risk of complications. For fractures of the distal femur, the retrograde approach avoids a large incision near the hip, which can be beneficial for patients with hip or pelvic injuries.
The nail's multiple locking options, including both proximal and distal screws, ensure a highly stable fixation. This stability is crucial for promoting rapid bone healing and allows for early weight-bearing, which is essential for a faster recovery and better patient outcomes. The minimally invasive nature of both approaches also results in less soft tissue trauma and blood loss.
This system's versatility and biomechanical stability make it an invaluable tool for orthopedic trauma surgeons, providing a reliable solution for even the most challenging femoral fractures.
The biomechanics of the Expert R/AFN are centered on providing a robust, load-sharing construct within the medullary canal. The nail's central position supports the physiological loads of the leg, reducing stress on the locking screws. Its anatomical curvature and trapezoidal cross-section ensure a close fit and excellent stability. The multiple locking options, including oblique and transverse screws, prevent rotation, shortening, and angulation of the fracture fragments, providing a stable environment for healing. This combination of load-sharing and rigid locking allows the nail to withstand the high biomechanical forces of the femur, contributing to the long-term success of the fixation.
The implantation of the Expert R/AFN can be performed using either an antegrade or a retrograde surgical technique. The antegrade approach involves a small incision at the hip, through the greater trochanter. The retrograde approach involves an incision at the knee, just below the joint line. In both cases, the medullary canal is reamed over a guide wire, and the nail is inserted. Its final position is confirmed with fluoroscopy. Proximal and distal locking screws are then placed through dedicated targeting guides to secure the nail and complete the fixation. The choice of approach is based on the fracture location, surgeon preference, and the presence of any other injuries.
Following a successful Expert R/AFN fixation, a structured postoperative care plan is initiated. Due to the stability of the fixation, patients are often able to begin partial weight-bearing within the first few days post-surgery, with the goal of progressing to full weight-bearing as tolerated. Physical therapy is a crucial component of recovery, focusing on restoring joint range of motion and muscle strength. Regular clinical and radiographic follow-up appointments are essential to monitor fracture healing and ensure the implant remains stable throughout the recovery process, preventing any potential complications.
The Expert R/AFN is a highly versatile and effective solution for the treatment of a broad range of femoral fractures. Its anatomical design and comprehensive locking options, combined with the unique flexibility of antegrade or retrograde insertion, provide surgeons with the tools to achieve stable, customized fixation. By supporting a minimally invasive surgical technique and promoting early patient mobility, the Expert R/AFN leads to excellent clinical outcomes, a faster recovery, and an improved quality of life for the patient.
R/AFN stands for Retrograde/Antegrade Femoral Nail. This indicates that the nail is designed to be inserted into the femur from either the knee (retrograde) or the hip (antegrade) approaches.
A surgeon may choose a retrograde approach for fractures of the distal femur, fractures in polytrauma patients with hip or pelvic injuries, or for patients who cannot be easily positioned for an antegrade approach.
It is particularly well-suited for femoral shaft fractures, but its versatility makes it an excellent choice for distal and supracondylar fractures as well as some subtrochanteric fractures.
While both are part of the Expert product line, the Expert R/AFN is specifically designed for dual-approach versatility, whereas the standard Expert Femoral Nail is primarily used with the antegrade approach.
The dual approach provides surgeons with surgical flexibility to address a wider range of fractures, particularly those that are close to the knee joint, and to manage complex polytrauma cases more effectively.
