Mechanical failure of the intramedullary hip screw in a subtrochanteric femoral fracture.
The Gamma nail, an implant specifically designed for intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral fractures, has been criticized for its high risk of secondary shaft fractures. A modified design, the intramedullary hip screw has recently been introduced to correct this complication. We present a case of mechanical failure of this new implant that occurred in a pathological subtrochanteric fracture. The centering sleeve of the implant became loose and migrated while the head screw penetrated the acetabulum. Refixation was successful.
Rantanen
J
J
Department of Surgery, University of Turku, Finland.
Aro
H
H
D000368:Aged; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation