title: A novel technique for percutaneous removal of a suprapatellar intramedullary nail.
abstract: Intramedullary nailing (IMN) of tibial shaft fractures is an excellent treatment option associated with low complication rates. Suprapatellar intramedullary nailing (SIMN) is a viable alternative treatment to traditional IMN, especially for proximal fractures of the tibia. There are, however, clinical concerns regarding SIMN removal that pose a challenge to a successful outcome. This article describes a novel percutaneous technique for the removal of a SIMN using the same instruments and incision used for nail insertion. This technical innovation offers a simple, reliable, and minimally invasive approach for the removal of any IMN, including nails inserted via a suprapatellar approach. The technique is demonstrated here on a cadaveric specimen as well as with a sawbones model.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leary
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Werger
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sagebien
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails; D002102:Cadaver; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D010329:Patella / Q000601:surgery*; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery*