The Problems on Removal of the tibial intramedullary nails

Kim, Tai Seung; Lee, Seong Pil; Whang, Khun Sung

Abstract

Closed intramedullary nailing with interlocking screws has been a widely accepted method for the fixation of fractures of the long bones. As a rule, the nail can be removed during the second year. Before the operation, solid healing of the fracture must be demonstrated by x-rays in two planes. When solid bone healing of the fracture has occurred, a connective tissue interface forms around the foreign body. This connective tissue can ossify later and make it difficult to remove the nail after it has been in place for a number of years. Theoretically, removal of the nail should be an uncomplicated procedure. Occasionally, one runs into problems, however, and every surgeon who has had enough experience with intramedullary nailing can remember cases in which removal of the nail was more difficult than its insertion. So, we tried to review our cases for problems on removal of the tibial nails and to discuss its etiologies.