Unusual complication associated with femoral intramedullary alignment guide in total knee arthroplasty

The few reported complications related to the use of a femoral intramedullary alignment guide in total knee arthroplasty include increase in perioperative bleeding and fat embolism. We report 3 patients suffering from an unusual complication, concerning trapping of the tibial locking pin inside the intramedullary canal of the femur secondary to the use of an intramedullary alignment guide. Methods of retrieving the locking pin from the medullary canal are discussed.