Late Complication From Dislodgement of the Expert Tibial Nailing System Internal Locking Sleeve: A Case Report.

CASE: We report on a patient who underwent intramedullary nailing with the Expert Tibial Nailing System. Unappreciated intraoperative dislodgement of the distal internal polymer at the end of the nail occurred. This resulted in entrapment into the original fracture site and contributed to late infection. Treatment consisted of aggressive local debridement, foreign body removal, intramedullary nail removal, reaming, and antibiotics. The patient had an excellent clinical result 2 years postinjury.

CONCLUSION

The plastic polymer sleeve of a tibial nail can become dislodged and trapped inside the intramedullary canal. This is not detectable radiographically and may contribute to complications.