Removal of broken solid femoral nail: a modified bent tip guide wire technique

Abstract

A broken solid femoral nail can be challenging to remove. We describe a modified bent tip guide wire technique for extraction of a broken solid retrograde femoral nail from the proximal femur. The broken nail was removed successfully through the original retrograde entry point to allow for an exchange femoral nailing in a patient with a hypertrophic non-union. This novel technique avoids any additional exposure other than that required to remove and insert the nail.