A vascular complication of trochanteric-entry femoral nailing on a fracture table.

In this case report, we describe a complication of occlusion of a low-flow artery related to traction and compression against the center post of a fracture table during trochanteric femoral nailing. The ischemic limb subsequently underwent urgent revascularization by the vascular surgery team. The patient was placed on anticoagulation and recovered. Radiographically visible vascular plaques should alert the surgeon to potential vascular complications of traction and center-post compression.