Titre du document / Document title

Is routine removal of intramedullary nails justified?

Auteur(s) / Author(s)

BOERGER T. O. ⁽¹⁾ ; PATEL G. ⁽²⁾ ; MURPHY J. P. ⁽³⁾ ;

Affiliation(s) du ou des auteurs / Author(s) Affiliation(s)

⁽¹⁾ Academic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (CSB), St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 TF, ROYAUME-UNI
⁽²⁾ Chelsea and Westminster University Hospital, London, ROYAUME-UNI
⁽³⁾ Northwick Park Hospital, Middlesex, ROYAUME-UNI

Résumé / Abstract

This study investigates the outcome of 100 cases of lower limb intramedullary nail removal. 12 femoral and 25 tibial nails were removed for pain and 4 tibial nails for infection. For 22 tibial nails and 38 femoral nails there was no recorded indication. There where 3 operative complications, 2 abandoned procedures and 1 tibial fracture (nail extraction without prior removal of the distal locking screw). In 9 out of 16 cases anterior knee pain improved after tibial nail removal. 4 patients, previously asymptomatic, developed anterior knee pain following tibial nail removal. 40 patients who were discharged without crutches returned in pain and had to be given crutches to alleviate leg pain. 62 patients took a mean of II days sick leave. We conclude that all complications were avoidable. Intramedullary nail removal is safe. Patients with anterior knee pain should be told that their pain may persist and that knee pain may even arise. Most patients will require crutches and an average of 2 weeks away from work.

Revue / Journal Title

Injury   ISSN 0020-1383   CODEN INJUBF 

Source / Source

1999, vol. 30, n^o2, pp. 79-81 (10 ref.)

Langue / Language

Anglais

Editeur / Publisher

Elsevier, Oxford, ROYAUME-UNI  (1969) (Revue)

Mots-clés anglais / English Keywords

Intramedullary nailing ; Exeresis ; Nail ; Postoperative ; Complication ; Treatment ; Evolution ; Human ; Surgery ;

Mots-clés français / French Keywords

Enclouage centromédullaire ; Exérèse ; Clou ; Postopératoire ; Complication ; Traitement ; Evolution ; Homme ; Chirurgie ;

Mots-clés espagnols / Spanish Keywords

Enclavamiento centromedular ; Exéresis ; Clavo ; Postoperatorio ; Complicación ; Tratamiento ; Evolución ; Hombre ; Cirugía ;

Localisation / Location

INIST-CNRS, Cote INIST : 15593, 35400008405392.0010