Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Apr 19: Intertan nailing for fractures in the upper part of the femur has been performed for the first time at Government Medical College (GMC), Baramulla, making the otherwise complex and challenging surgery easy and hassle-free for patients.
During the procedure, doctors informed ‘Excelsior’ that two specially-made screws are placed at the site of the fracture, with one on the nail specifically designed for fracture reduction.
“It is a new type of implant which we are using; under this, a small incision of about 1 centimeter is made, through which the nails are inserted at the proximal region of the femur,” said Dr. Ishtiyaq Abdullah, Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at GMC Baramulla.
Officials stated that the procedure on an elderly man at GMC Baramulla was carried out under the guidance of Dr. Ishtiyaq and Dr. Aamir (SR), with technical support from Kaiser Rehman and Murtaza Rasool, and the anesthesia team led by Dr. Tehleel.
They added that it is a minimally invasive procedure in which the fracture is not opened, making fracture reduction, which was previously difficult, quite easy, with only a few days of hospitalization.
It is noteworthy that the Intertan nail is designed to provide stable fixation and support for such fractures and is inserted into the intramedullary canal of the femur, typically extending from the femoral head to the proximal femoral shaft.
The doctors highlighted that its unique design includes an integrated lag screw that allows for controlled compression across the fracture site, aiding in bone healing.
Dr. Pervaiz Masoodi, the Medical Superintendent of GMC Baramulla, stated, “The department deserves commendation for initiating this new procedure; it will significantly enhance patient care in North Kashmir and its peripheral areas. Being an accident prone area, we frequently encounter such cases.”
As of now, the use of Intertan nailing in such fractures is only performed by the Orthopaedic Department of SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, making GMC Baramulla the first, not only in the peripheries but also in the newly set up Medical Colleges.
The procedure is carried out free of cost, with the cost of the implant-Intertan nails-covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
Follow our WhatsApp channel