REmoval of bent or broken tibial intramedullary nails: a systematic review of case studies
Haad Arif BS, Michael Silva BS, Gavin LeBrun, Joseph Elsissy MD, Christopher LeBrun
Abstract: The bending or fracture of a tibial intramedullary nail is a rare complication with a paucity of literature regarding available methods of extraction. This systematic review discusses the currently described surgical techniques for extracting deformed tibial intramedullary nails as well any potential associated challenges. There are a few core methods of removing deformed intramedullary nails depending on the nature of the deformity, nail type, material, and diameter, and tools available to the surgeon. Regardless of technique, extraction of deformed tibial intramedullary nails is associated with satisfactory patient outcomes.