TELEGRAPH humeral nail

The TELEGRAPH is a device used for proximal and/or mid-shaft humeral fractures.

Because of its linear shape and small diameter, it can be implanted through the rotator cuff.

TELEGRAPH is available in short and long versions, in different diameters and lengths.

SHORT NAIL

This nail can be used with several techniques to treat 2- and 3-fragment fractures:
– percutaneous for extra-articular fractures
– standard for valgus-impacted intra-articular fractures
– optional for non-impacted or even dislocated 3- and 4-fragment fractures when a prosthesis is feasible

LONG NAIL

Its primary diameter (7 mm) makes it one of the thinnest nails on the market.
It has an assisted distal locking feature and can either be used in a static or elastic configuration. Its designing surgeons strongly recommend elastic distal locking.

– Intra-articular fracture
– 2- and 3-fragment extra-articular fracture
– Mid-shaft fracture

TELEGRAPH is a full stainless steel nail, which makes small diameters feasible (7, 8, 9 mm).

>> SHORT NAIL
– 1 length: 150 mm
– 3 diameters: 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm
– material: stainless steel

>> SHORT TELEGRAPH IV NAIL
– 1 length: 150 mm
– 3 diameters: 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm
– lateralised
– material: stainless steel

>> LONG NAIL
– 4 lengths: 210 mm, 230 mm, 250 mm (270 mm on special order)
– 2 diameters: 7 mm and 8 mm
– material: M30

>> TELEGRAPH SCREW
– diameter 4 mm
– self-stabilising cancellous bone screw
– lengths: 24, 28, 30, 35, 40, 45 mm
– material: stainless steel

>> THREADED PIN
– diameter 4 mm
– length: 24, 28, 30, 32 mm
– material: stainless steel

>> INSTRUMENTATION
3 types of instrumentation kits are available:
– short nail kit
– long nail kit
– combined kit

The combined kit allows the surgeon to implant both types of nails (short and long).

1. Dib, C., C. Maroun, and P. Valenti, Nailing technique for proximal humerus fractures. PISC 2017 – Current concepts on shoulder arthroplasty, 2017: p. p.21-23.
2. Garret, J., et al., Surgical treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures with a technique of nail and osteosuture: “NOS”. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol, 2017. 27(3): p. 391-397.
3. Karabila, M.A., et al., [The role of short Telegraph nail in the treatment of fractures of the upper end of the humerus: about 19 cases]. Pan Afr Med J, 2016. 24: p. 36.
4. Milin, L., et al., Comparison of modified Hackethal bundle nailing versus anterograde nailing for fixation of surgical neck fractures of the humerus: Retrospective study of 105 cases. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res, 2014. 100(3): p. 265-70.
5. Cuny, C., et al., Antegrade nailing evolution for proximal humeral fractures, the Telegraph IV: a study of 67 patients. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol, 2014.
6. Thomazeau, H., et al., Is it worth fixing proximal humeral fractures at increased vascular risk?Orthop Traumatol Surg Res, 2012. 98(4): p. 383-9.
7. Jayankura, M., et al., [Treatment of severe proximal humeral fractures by proximal nailing (Telegraph). A prospective preliminary study]. Rev Med Brux, 2011. 32(6 Suppl): p. S58-65.
8. Russo, R., et al., Telegraph antegrade nailing in the treatment of humeral fractures with rotator interval split technique. Chir Organi Mov, 2009. 93 Suppl 1: p. S7-14.
9. Cuny, C., et al., The Telegraph nail for proximal humeral fractures: a prospective four-year study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg, 2008. 17(4): p. 539-45.
10. Cuny, C., et al., [The long Telegraph nail for humeral fractures]. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot, 2007. 93(6): p. 564-70.
11. Boughebri, O., et al., [Treatment of proximal humeral fractures by Telegraph nail: prospective study of 34 cases]. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot, 2007. 93(4): p. 325-32.
12. Schwartz, C. and C. Cuny, Fractures of the proximal humerus: a prospective review of 188 cases. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, 2003. 13(1): p. 1-12.
13. Cuny, C., et al., [Proximal 4-part humerus fractures treated by antegrade nailing with self-stabilizing screws: 31 cases]. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot, 2003. 89(6): p. 507-14.
14. Cuny, C., et al., [A new locking nail for proximal humerus fractures: the Telegraph nail, technique and preliminary results]. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot, 2002. 88(1): p. 62-7.
15. Cuny, C., et al., Telegraph nail used for internal fixation of proximal humerus fracture. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, 2000. 10(1): p. 21-26.