# Application of the “3-2-1” body surface localization method in intertrochanteric femoral fractures: a technical note

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a preoperative method to improve surgical accuracy and reduce risks in treating femoral fractures.

## Contribution

The novel '3-2-1' body surface localization method is proposed for accurate incision positioning in femoral fracture surgery.

## Key findings

- The '3-2-1' method helps predict optimal incision positions for implants in femoral fractures.
- It reduces incision size, bleeding, radiation exposure, and improves surgical efficiency and outcomes.

## Abstract

In femoral intertrochanteric fractures, poor incision positioning may result in inaccurate intramedullary nail placement direction, which increases the difficulty of reduction and thus the size and number of incisions. Repeated intraoperative fluoroscopy not only increases the radiation exposure of the surgeon but also affects the operative outcomes. This technical note proposes a method of identifying incision positioning preoperatively using the “3-2-1” body surface localization method. This auxiliary positioning technique uses a body surface locator and the lower limb force axis. It can predict the incisions for the needle insertion point, spiral blade, and locking nails, create minimally invasive incisions, avoid incorrect incision position, facilitate accurate intraoperative intramedullary nail placement, reduce the incision size, intraoperative bleeding, and radiation exposure, and improve surgical efficiency and reduction quality.