Abstract: The present invention provides a device for treating fractures of a bone and methods for treating a facture, particularly fractures of the femur, that uses an intramedullary nail or a bone plate and a sliding compression fixation element. Certain features of various fixation elements described herein lessen the rotational forces applied during implantation and/or lessen the amount of bone that needs to be removed during placement of the sliding compression screw.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for treating fractures of a bone includes a body having a head, an intermediate portion and a distal tip. At least one transverse opening for receiving a screw is provided in the body. The opening comprises an insert adapted to receive the screw.