title: Ilizarov external fixation salvage of failed intramedullary fixation of tibia with nail retention.
abstract: Failure of intramedullary fixation of the tibia presents a unique problem, as improving fracture alignment is often difficult after nail placement. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Ilizarov technique in obtaining anatomic union after failed intramedullary fixation of the tibia. We reviewed medical records and plain radiographs of 4 men who, at a tertiary-care facility, presented with failed intramedullary fixation of the tibia. Mean age was 28 years (range, 23-36 years). All 4 patients underwent reduction and external fixation by the llizarov technique with retention of the intramedullary nail. Anatomic union was attained in each case. Thin-wire circular-frame external fixation by the Ilizarov technique was a viable salvage option for failed intramedullary fixation of the tibia.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Surgery Resident, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001, USA. kenneth.taylor@na.amedd.army.mil
authors.forename: Kenneth F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Kathleen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: McHale
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001858:Bone Nails; D001860:Bone Plates; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D008297:Male; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D017211:Treatment Failure