Comparison of intraoperative radiation exposure with and without use of distal targeting device: a randomized control study

36 patients with intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures of the femur receiving intramedullary nailing were randomized to receive insertion of the distal locking screws with a distal targeting device or with the free hand method. Outcomes of interest included radiographic exposure and the accuracy of insertion of the distal locking screws. Results revealed that radiographic exposure was significantly lower in patients who underwent intramedullary nailing with a distal targeting device compared to the free hand method. Furthermore, distal locking screw insertion was significantly more accurate in the distal targeting device group compared to the free hand group.