Question

A good rule of thumb for determining whether a nail is an appropriate treatment modality for a fracture is by making sure that any locking screws used will be located ______ from the fracture itself following the nail's insertion.

Answer 1

Locking screws used in conjunction with a nail for fracture treatment should be placed at a safe distance from the fracture, typically at least 1-2 centimeters, to ensure stability and proper healing.

Step-by-step explanation:

A good rule of thumb for determining whether a nail is an appropriate treatment modality for a fracture is by making sure that any locking screws used will be located at a safe distance from the fracture itself following the nail's insertion. Typically, this means that locking screws are to be placed both proximal and distal to the fracture site, with sufficient bone stock between the screws and the fracture to maintain stability and support bone healing. The exact distance can vary, but generally, surgeons aim for at least 1-2 centimeters of bone between the screw and the fracture, depending on the specific case, the patient's bone quality, and other factors relevant to the healing process.