Extraction of broken intramedullary nails — an improvement in technique

Removal of a broken nail using a guide wire and a screw

“…However, this technique is time-consuming and the hook tends to come free, thus requiring several re-insertions before full extraction of the nail. To solve this problem, Brewster et al (1995) modified the AO-recommended technique by using several guide wires impacted around the hook to form a stable construct which could easily be removed as one piece. The technique described by Brewster et al may be successful, but requires the use of several pieces of equipment and substantial force for removal.…”

Removal of a short distal portion of a broken tibial nail: A simple push and pull technique

“…Several techniques, of using different instruments such as a hook, T-reamer and multiple ball-tipped guide-wires, as an extractor for the removal of the distal part of the broken cannulated nail have been described. [1][2][3][4] However the removal of a short distal part of a broken tibial nail with a small diameter may not be possible using these reported techniques. This paper presents a novel method in order to overcome such problems.…”

“…Several methods have been reported for removal of the distal portion of the broken intramedullary nail [1][2][3][4]. For a broken femoral nail, the distal portion can be removed either proximally or…”

Use of a Nancy nail to remove a broken intramedullary nail: A technical note

“…The breakage of an IM nail is a complication that can occur with unstable fixation or non-union of the fracture [2,3]. Many methods have been reported for removing a broken nail [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. We describe a new technique to remove the distal portion of the broken nail.…”