Intramedullary nail: the past, present and the future - a review exploring where the future may lead us.

Background: Intramedullary nails (IMNs) are the current gold standard treatment for long bone diaphyseal and selected metaphyseal fractures. The design of IMNs has undergone many revisions since its invention in the 16 century, with a dramatic increase in novel designs in recent years aiming to further improve intramedullary fixation techniques.

Aims: To map the evolution of IMNs in orthopedic surgery, discuss the limitations and complications of current IMNs and identify novel IMNs that may influence future design innovations.