Are Cephalomedullary Nail Guides Accurate? A Case Report of an Unexpected Complication After Nailing an Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture

Abstract

Intramedullary nailing is the mainstay of treatment for unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures. Various complications have been described with the use of these nails. We report an unusual complication whereby the lag screw completely missed the nail. We hypothesize that this previously unreported complication may be related to a specific flexible carbon fiber aiming device. Surgeon awareness and thorough intraoperative imaging are crucial to avoiding this complication.