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Alternative method for removing an impacted AO intramedullary nail.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Impacted femoral nail removal can be challenging. A novel technique using vise-grip pliers to reshape the nail was successful, avoiding femur splitting.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Intramedullary femoral nails are commonly used for fracture fixation.
- Standard removal techniques (e.g., AO technique) are generally effective.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old male experienced impaction of an intramedullary femoral nail during removal.
- Approximately one-third of the nail was removed before impaction occurred.
Findings:
- A non-standard technique involving vise-grip pliers was employed to remove the impacted nail.
- The pliers were used to twist the nail, deforming it into a "cigar-wrapper" shape.
- This method allowed for the nail's eventual removal.
Implications:
- This technique offers an alternative for managing impacted intramedullary femoral nails.
- It may prevent the need for more destructive procedures like femur splitting or sawing.
- Consideration of this method is warranted in complex nail removal scenarios.