The invisible nail: a technique report of treatment of a pathological humerus fracture with a radiolucent intramedullary nail.

The goal in the treatment of pathological fractures of long bones is to gain functional stability of the limb, improve quality of life and relieve the pain of the broken bone. Metastatic bone disease presents a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons because of the potential for local tumour recurrence and the susceptibility for nonunion of fractures. The carbon-fibre nail possesses special qualities not present in traditionalmetal nails. The use of a radiolucent intramedullary nail has the potential to enhance clinical follow-up of bone healing postoperatively, and improve overall clinical outcomes. We present the technique of intramedullary nailing of a pathological humerus fracture with a radiolucent carbon-fibre nail.