An Unusual Complication Encountered During the Extraction of the Femoral Nail: A Case Report

TL;DR

This case report describes an unusual complication during the removal of a femoral nail, involving a coiled k-wire that caused surgical difficulties.

Contribution

The paper presents a rare complication during orthopedic implant removal involving a coiled k-wire and provides precautions to avoid such issues.

Findings

A coiled k-wire used during implant extraction caused unexpected difficulties in removal.

The complication led to challenges in extracting both the coil and the nail.

Precautions are recommended to prevent similar issues during implant removal.

Abstract

Orthopedic implant removal is a common surgery performed either due to patient’s complaint of pain, dysfunction or infection or on doctor’s advice depending on the nature of the implant and its related future problems. The surgery may range from simple k-wire removal to difficult plate or intramedullary nail removal. Many unforeseen complications are experienced during implant removal, and occasionally, it results in failure of removal, fracture, prolonged per-operative bleeding and damage to nerves and vessels. We report here an unusual complication of coiling of a thick k-wire used during implant extraction surgery to prevent sinking of the nail and the difficulties in removing this coil and the nail, along with the precautions to be taken to avoid such difficulties.

Figures