The Fish Hook Technique of extracting broken intramedullary nails.
Removal of hardware in orthopaedic surgery is usually encountered in revision fracture surgery for non union, mal union, infection and peri-implant failure. If the hardware has broken this can make revision surgery even more demanding. Numerous techniques have been described to facilitate implant removal. A broken femoral nail is not an uncommon presentation of a delayed union or a non union. We describe a simple and innovative technique to remove the distal portion of broken intramedullary nails without causing any further trauma. This technique can be extended to include most hollow intramedullary nails.
Acharya
Mehool
M
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester. mez001@hotmail.com
Alani
Asef
A
Almedghio
Sami
S
D001858:Bone Nails; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged