Endoscopically controlled removal of a broken intramedullary nail: A new technique

Implant breakage is a well known complication of intramedullary nailing and many techniques are described to remove the distal part of a nail. A major disadvantage of all the techniques described is the requirement for an image intensifier in the OR. No technique under direct visual control has been described in the literature. With the technique of IBE (intramedullary bone endoscopy) we would like to introduce a new endoscopic procedure for removal of a broken nail under direct visual control. The intraoperative use of an image intensifier is not necessary for this new procedure.