[Intramedullary nail removal in the upper and lower limbs. Should we recommend this operation?].
BACKGROUND
Absolute indications for removing intramedullary locking nails (ILN) are undisputed, but there are also relative indications when implant removal might be discussed. The aim of our study was to evaluate complications of ILN removal in the upper and lower extremities.


METHODS
Four hundred sixty (460) patients who underwent interlocking nail removal were reviewed regarding complications after removal of implants in the humerus, femur, or tibia.


RESULTS
The most common complications were delayed wound healing and wound infections. For the humerus, the complication rate of implant removals due to absolute indication was 29%, and the rate for removals due to relative indication was 12%. In the forearm, no complications were seen. Patients who underwent ILN removal in the femur or tibia for absolute indication had a 21% complication rate; the complication rate in patients with relative indication was 10%.


CONCLUSIONS
The complication rate of interlocking nail removal is too high to justify such a procedure without clear indication.
Universitätsklinik für Unfallchirurgie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Osterreich.
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D020878:Device Removal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult