Anterograde removal of broken femoral nails without opening the nonunion site: a new technique

Authors

  • Henrique Antônio Berwanger de Amorim Cabrita Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Department of Orthopedics
  • Eduardo Angeli Malavolta Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Department of Orthopedics
  • Otávio Vilhena Reis Teixeira Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Department of Orthopedics
  • Nei Botter Montenegro Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Department of Orthopedics
  • Fernando Aires Duarte Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Department of Orthopedics
  • Rames Mattar Jr. Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Department of Orthopedics

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322010000300007

Keywords:

Femoral fractures, Fracture fixation, Intramedullary, Fracture healing, Complications, Orthopedics

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We describe a new technique for removing the distal fragments of broken intramedullary femoral nails without disturbing the nonunion site. METHODS: This technique involves the application of an AO distractor prior to the removal of the nail fragments, with subsequent removal of the proximal nail fragment in an anterograde fashion and removal of the distal fragment through a medial parapatellar approach. Impaction of the fracture site is then performed with a nail that is broader than the remaining fragmented material. RESULTS: Nails were removed from five patients using the technique described above without any complications. After a mean follow-up period of 61.8 months, none of these patients showed worsened knee osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: The original technique described in this article allows surgeons to remove the distal fragment of fractured femoral intramedullary nails without opening the nonunion focus or using special surgical instruments.

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Published

2010-01-01

Issue

Section

Clinical Sciences

How to Cite

Anterograde removal of broken femoral nails without opening the nonunion site: a new technique . (2010). Clinics, 65(3), 279-283. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322010000300007