Challenging Removal of Intramedullary Nails: Description of 2 Techniques With Proposal to Classify Nail Extraction Methods.
Sumit Arora, Shivam Bansal, Arihant Kataria et al.
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Case in brief
This report details two cases of intramedullary nail removal. The first involved an intact, incarcerated short proximal femoral nail successfully extracted without creating an additional bone window, followed by hip arthroplasty. The second case described the removal of a small distal fragment of a broken femoral nail through a nonunion site, with subsequent exchange nailing performed. A classification system for extraction techniques is proposed.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be prepared for challenges in intramedullary nail removal and consider alternative techniques, including the proposed classification system for extraction methods.
Why it matters
Understanding various nail extraction techniques can enhance surgical preparedness and improve outcomes in complex cases of intramedullary nail removal.