# Resolving Block Screw Obstruction in Tibial Intramedullary Nailing

**Authors:** Nizar Ismail, Alwyn Abraham

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.77997 · Cureus · 2025-01-26

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new four-step minimally invasive technique to resolve screw obstructions during tibial intramedullary nailing.

## Contribution

A novel four-step minimally invasive technique to overcome screw blockage during tibial nailing is proposed.

## Key findings

- The technique successfully bypassed the obstruction without compromising fracture reduction.
- Operative time was not significantly increased using the new method.
- Fluoroscopic confirmation confirmed proper nail placement.

## Abstract

This technical report describes a new solution for dealing with intramedullary nail blockage during tibial fracture operation. It discusses a case in which a screw obstructed nail insertion, a complication encountered during the procedure, and outlines the development of a four-step minimally invasive technique.

The obstruction was localized using fluoroscopy, and a unicortical drill hole (4.5 mm) was created directly above the blocking screw. A ring handle spike instrument was introduced through the hole to act as a lever, allowing the nail to advance beyond the obstruction. Final fluoroscopic confirmation was then performed to verify the proper position of the nail.

This approach successfully achieved adequate nail placement without compromising the reduction of the fracture or significantly increasing the operative time, all while preserving the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** tibial fracture (MESH:D013978), fracture (MESH:D050723)

## Full text

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## Figures

6 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11859416/full.md

## References

10 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11859416/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11859416