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Flexible intramedullary nail removal using a broken screw removal set
Scott T Ferry1, Laurence E Dahners
1Department of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7055, USA.
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma
|June 13, 2006
Summary
Removing flexible titanium intramedullary nails can be difficult. A new percutaneous technique using extraction bolts simplifies nail removal, especially when the nail end is not prominent.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Flexible titanium intramedullary nails are widely used for pediatric and adult long bone fractures.
- Nail removal after bone union can be challenging, often requiring extensive surgical exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel percutaneous technique for the removal of flexible intramedullary nails.
- To address difficulties associated with nail removal, particularly when the nail end is not easily accessible.
Main Methods:
- A percutaneous technique utilizing extraction bolts from a broken screw removal set is described.
- A hollow reamer from the same set can be employed to expose the nail end if it is not prominent.
Main Results:
- The presented technique facilitates percutaneous removal of flexible intramedullary nails.
- It is particularly effective in cases where the nail end is not readily visible or graspable.
Conclusions:
- This percutaneous extraction bolt technique offers a less invasive approach for flexible intramedullary nail removal.
- The method simplifies the removal process, potentially reducing surgical complications and recovery time.