A blocking-wire technique for removal of a broken hollow intramedullary nail

We present a simple method to remove the distal portion of the broken nail just using the bulb-tipped guide pin and a blocking Kirschner wire. At first, we removed the proximal part of the broken nail and all interlocking screws. Next, we introduced the bulb-tipped guide wire into the distal part of the nail with fluoroscopic guidance until it passed the interlocking hole that would be used. After snugly fitting the blocking Kirschner wire into the interlocking hole of the nail, the bulb-tipped guide wire is then pulled to engage the blocking wire complex in the interlocking hole. The bulb-tipped guide wire and broken nail are removed by sequential stroke using a ram.