[Indication for removal of tibial nails].
BACKGROUND
Tibial nail removal has been suggested as a routine procedure for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The aim of this study was to define guidelines for the removal of tibial nails.


METHODS
A retrospective study on the isolated removal of 69 tibial nails after fracture consolidation was done. A review of the patient charts and radiographs was performed. Forty-four patients (64%) were available for the follow-up interview.


RESULTS
Preoperatively, 26 patients (59%) had local complaints. Of these 26 patients, 73% reported an improvement, and 8% reported an aggravation of their local complaints. Of the 18 patients who were asymptomatic before surgery, 17% reported long-term complaints at follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that routine removal of tibial nails should be discussed critically in asymptomatic patients.
Gösling
T
T
Unfallchirurgische Klinik, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover. goesling.thomas@mh-hannover.de
Hüfner
T
T
Hankemeier
S
S
Müller
U
U
Richter
M
M
Krettek
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*