title: Removal of a broken Synthes proximal spiral blade.
abstract: Use of cephalomedullary nails is an option for treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures. However, the magnitude of bending forces in this area of the femur often can lead to implant failure before union. We report on a case of hardware failure of a specific device (Synthes spiral blade) and a method for removal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina 28232, USA.
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Stover
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bosse
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000150:complications; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation