The Inflatable Intramedullary Nail Mark A. Leberte, MD, The Orthopaedic Center, Huntsville, AL The Fixion intramedullary nail represents an unique development in IM nailing, and offers an alternative to traditional nailing of humeral, femoral and tibial fractures. The expandable nail allows unreamed insertion in the collapsed position. With expansion the nail increases its diameter approximately by 175%. Once expanded it allows abutment of the longitudinal bars to the inner surface of the intramedullary canal along its entire length, thereby obviating the need for interlocking screws. Other advantages afforded by the Fixion nail include optional reaming, reduced exposure of the surgeon to x-rays, and reduced operating room time. The design of the nail and its instrumentation are described. The author's early clinical and radiographic experience with the nail are presented. Seventeen patients to date have been treated and early results are encouraging, although two complications (12%) have already occurred and will be discussed.