Closed interlocking nailing of the femur complicated by an intramedullary calcified lesion |
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| Authors: | R S Smith S J Lancaster J E Alonso M Horowitz |
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| Institution: | Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital, Jacksonville, Florida. |
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| Abstract: | The interlocking intramedullary nail has greatly expanded the indications for closed intramedullary nailing of the femur. We describe a complication caused by the presence of a calcified lesion located at the proximal metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the femur. This lesion could not be penetrated by hand reamers. We used a long 3.5-mm drill bit to place a hole in the infarct, which then allowed passage of the hand reamer. The operation then proceeded in the standard fashion without complications. |
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