Corrosion of a Fassier-Duval Telescopic Nail Causing Pain and Osteolysis: A Case Report

A 15-year-old girl known with osteogenesis imperfecta presented with left femoral pain. She had been treated with multiple Fassier-Duval intramedullary nails, which were still in situ. Radiographic imaging demonstrated focal osteolysis and periosteal reaction at the telescopic junction of the rod in the distal femur. She underwent implant removal. Intraoperative sampling demonstrating acute sterile inflammation and presence of brownish colored particles consistent with metal debris and osteolysis. Explant analysis confirmed corrosion of the stainless-steel telescopic nail as the underlying cause.

Osteolysis and periosteal reaction because of corrosion should be considered in conjunction with other more common causes of pain, such as fracture or infection, in patients treated with telescopic intramedullary nails.