Potential pitfalls of lateral radiographic assessment of the nail position in the distal femur.

Femoral nails are often anteriorly located in the distal femur and reviewed using lateral radiographs. However, this research demonstrates that owing to the geometry of the distal femur, a lateral radiograph may be inadequate for determining the true position of a femoral nail within the distal femur. Accurately assessing the position of femoral nails may help to address and prevent thigh pain, and iatrogenic fracture or perforation which have been associated with anterior positioning.