The first description in the literature, of a complication during the extraction of a retrograde expandable intra-medullary nail in three patients

• DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2016.03.006
• Publication Date: 2016-04-13T12:30:17Z
• Authors: K. Tilkeridis; T. Tzatzairis; M. Tryfonidis; D.S. Elliot; R.B. Simonis
• Keywords: Retrogade nail; 03 medical and health sciences; Tibia fracture; 0302 clinical medicine; RD1-811; Ankle fracture; Fixion nail; Intramedullary nail; Surgery; Complication; Article

Ankle fractures in elderly people are low-energy characterised by fragility. In the majority, they unstable and challenging to manage. Retrograde expandable intra-medullary nails (Fixion®, Biomet Merck Limited) inserted through calcaneum across sub-talar ankle joints into tibia have been successfully used treatment of fragility non-unions distal ankle, where use an antegrade locked nail would not provide adequate fracture stability for union. Primary management involves removing at least 3-4 months after radiological check. cases a longer period is often required before removal considered. We present three patients breakage Fixion® during surgery caused problems extraction.