In this work, a testing protocol has been set up, in order to quantify the load-sharing imposed near the fracture site by an interlocking-type intramedullary nail. A simulated single-leg stance has been applied to a composite fiberglass femur in three different configurations simulating: an intact femur, a fractured nailed femur and a fully healed nailed femur. The repeatability of the measurements and the influence of ilio-tibial band muscle force have been investigated. The tested nail proved to share with the femoral shaft an amount of the total applied load ranging from 50% immediately after the nailing to 80% at full healing.
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Raimondi et al. (2002) studied this question.