Various embodiments of the invention relate to sleeves (30) having lengths
that allow the sleeve to engage a patient's femoral intramedullary canal
in a mid to distal region rather than only proximally. In preferred
embodiments, the sleeve length is between about 60 millimeters to about
150 millimeters. In certain embodiments, the sleeve is adapted to extend
beyond the lesser trochanter, to or near or beyond a patient's isthmus,
and provide diaphyseal fixation.