Successful Removal of 30 Years Indwelled Brooker-Wills Tibial Nail without Breaking Distal Metal Fins: A Case Report
10.4055/jkoa.2024.59.1.67
- Author:
In Hee KIM
1
;
Geon Jung KIM
;
Yong Min KIM
;
Ka Hyun KIM
;
Dong Hwan LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Police Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
2024;59(1):67-71
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:EN
-
Abstract:
An interlocking intramedullary nail is the most popular device for managing tibial shaft fractures. Interlocking screws should be inserted to prevent rotation at the fracture site, but inserting distal interlocking screws by free hand technique requires time and skill. The BrookerWills tibial nail was designed to stretch out distal metal fins after settling the nail in position. On the other hand, Brooker-Wills nails should be removed for reasons such as chronic osteomyelitis, and folding the distal metal fins is necessary. Nevertheless, many problems arise in this process. Usually, the removal of Brooker-Wills tibial nails is not attempted because of this trouble. The authors tried a new method and could fold the fins successfully in a 30-year-old Brooker-Wills tibial nail, which had to be removed to cure a chronic osteomyelitis around the nail. This paper reports the case of a 72-year-old male with a review of the relevant literature to suggest a useful method.
