New method to remove tibial intramedullary nail through original suprapatellar incision: A case report

Figure 1 X-ray images of the patient’s left proximal tibia. A: Antero-posterior X-ray view of the left proximal tibia showing complete bony union; B: Antero-posterior X-ray view of the left distal tibia showing complete bony union.

Figure 2 Insertion of the guide needle through the nail. A: The guide needle was inserted through the nail via the suprapatellar approach and was assisted by a multi-holed guide pin sleeve; B: Antero-posterior X-ray view showing insertion of the guide needle into the cavity of the intramedullary nail; C: Lateral X-ray view showing insertion of the guide needle into the cavity of the intramedullary nail.

Figure 3 A jig was screwed into the tail of the nail. A: A hollow jig was rotated along the guide needle and screwed into the tail of the nail; B: Antero-posterior X-ray view showing that the clamp was screwed into the end of the intramedullary nail and tightened; C: Lateral X-ray view showing that the clamp was screwed into the end of the intramedullary nail and tightened.

Figure 4 The intramedullary nail was struck out of the tibia using a mallet through the suprapatellar approach.

Figure 5 Knee range of motion at the 4-mo follow-up.