Mechanical failure of the intramedullary hip screw in a subtrochanteric femoral fracture

J Orthop Trauma. 1996;10(5):348-50. doi: 10.1097/00005131-199607000-00010.

Abstract

The Gamma nail, an implant specifically designed for intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral fractures, has been criticized for its high risk of secondary shaft fractures. A modified design, the intramedullary hip screw has recently been introduced to correct this complication. We present a case of mechanical failure of this new implant that occurred in a pathological subtrochanteric fracture. The centering sleeve of the implant became loose and migrated while the head screw penetrated the acetabulum. Refixation was successful.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bone Screws / adverse effects*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Femoral Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Femoral Fractures / surgery*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / instrumentation*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / methods
  • Fracture Healing / physiology
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / etiology
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / surgery*
  • Hip Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Hip Fractures / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation