[Orthopaedic implants. Application outside of patient care?]

Internal fracture fixation represents a widespread concept for the treatment of fractures. As the number of implants increases, person tracking may be possible. In spring 2010 near Rostock (Germany), human remains including a stainless steel nail were found. Forensic analysis considered the parts of skeleton to belong to a man of medium height, exposed to outdoor conditions for several years to a few decades. The tibial nail was analysed and according to the product identification number possible hospitals of implant placement and transportation paths were determined and screened. Furthermore a match analysis of the database of missing individuals of the last 15 years was undertaken and a DNA match analysis identified a local individual who had been missing since winter 2003. Equipped with the actual patient's identity, out of academic interest a survey of clinical documents such as discharge letters and operative reports was performed, but was inconclusive. Although technically feasible, tracking the patient in this case based on the implant product number itself was unsuccessful. In this case report, the feasibility, validity and efficiency of this option are presented and discussed.